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SPIRIT  OF  METHODISM. 

-i   PPOSED  TO  PB  SUNG  AT  A  LOVE  FEAST.  TO  THR   T(:\F 
OF   ROCHO  A  I   F. 

WITH  NOTES. 


11  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them." — Bible. 
I  have  long  been  persuaded  that  not  reason,  but  ridicule,  is  the  only 
nstrum?nt  that  will  convince  some  people  of  the  error  of  their  ways." 
The  Methodists'  Christian  Advocate  &■  Journal. 


NEW-YORK: 


1829. 


Southern  District  of  JVttc-  York,  $9. 
BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  eighth  day  of  June,  A.  I).  1829, 
(h.  S  )  in  t^xe  ^%"in^r{^  year  °*  tne  Independence  of  the  United  States 
'    *'  of  America,  Andrew  Pudney,  of  the  said  district,  hath  deposited 
in  tins  office  the  title  of  a  Book,  the  right  whereof  he  claims  as  Pro- 
prietor, in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

11  The  Spirit  of  Methodism.     A  Poem.    Supposed  to  he  sung  at  a  Love 
Feast,  to  the  Tune  of  Rochdale.    With  Notes. 

"  '  By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them.' — Bible 
"  '  I  have  long  been  persuaded  that  not  reason,  but  ridicule,  is  the  only 
instrument  that  will  convince  some  people  of  the  error  of  their  whys.' 
u  The  Methodists1  Christian  Advocate  if  Journal.'' 
In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled,  "  An 
Act  for  the  encouragement  of  Learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  Maps, 
Charts,  and  Books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during 
the  time  therein  mentioned."     And  also  to  an  Act,  entitled,  "  An  Act, 
supplementary  to  an  Act,  entitled,    An   Act  for  the  encouragement  of 
learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of   Maps,  Charts,  and  Books,  to  the 
authors   and  proprietors  of  such  copies,  during  the  times  therein  men 
tinned,  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engra- 
ving, and  etching  historical  and  other  Prints." 

FILED.  J.  BETTS, 
Cl«rk  of  the  Southern  District  of  New- York. 


INDEX. 

Verse 

Methodists— Tbeii  experience  and  sentiments, ] 

Their  brilliant  prospects  and  intention,    -  - 21 

Their  candour,  charity,  and  desire  to  have  all  united,    29 
Their  feelings  towards  Presbyterians  and  Congrega- 
tionalism,      .-_.-..__._.    34 

A  true  statement  of  the  Calvinistic  creed, 60 

Their  witty  remarks, 93 

Presbyterian  baptism, 101 

Their  remarks  on  it, 107 

Their  abhorrence  of  Calvinistic  disputers, 114 

Their  way  of  defending  their  scheme,  --------  129 

Presbyterian  ordination, 147 

Their  sarcastical  remarks, -  -  191 

Their  embarrassment, 197 

Their  opposition  to  Calvinistic  preachers, 203 

An  anecdote, 205 

Their  own  expenses  and  books,  &c.  -  - 212 

Their  way  of  introducing  themselves, 227 

Their  remarks  on  Calvinistic  revivals,  and  reasons 

for  interfering, 243 

Their  ways  of  proselyting, 264 

Their  circuit  preachers, ---------  283 

Reasons  why  women  should  publicly  speak, 290 

Their  purity  and  good  works, 295 

The  origin  of  their  scheme, - 310 

Their  camp-meetings,  and  concluding  defence. 320 


SPIRIT  OP  METHODISM, 

AS  IT  IS  DISPLAYED  IN 

NEW-ENGLAND,  AND  SEVERAL  OTHER  STATES'; 
BY  THE  ARMINIAN  METHODISTS. 

Whitfield,  and  his  followers,  strongly  advocated 
the  Calvinistic  doctrines.  Several  sects  in  England  are 
called  Methodists.  There,  the  name  is  applied  to  all 
who  discover  religions  zeal. 


nn 


SPIRIT  OF  METHODISM- 


1.  Let  us  cry  out  and  loudly  shout. 
Make  Heaven's  arches  ring, 
And  not  conceal  our  flaming  zeal. 
We  would  like  angels  sing. 

'?.  We  feel  the  fire,  it  rises  higher, 
And  through  our  bosoms  rolls; 
Oh,  what  is  this  but  heavenly  bliss? 
'Tis  glory  in  our  souls. 

3.  This  mutual  love,  like  that  above, 
Is  j.ure  without  alloy  ; 
TSot  Calvinists  nor  devilists 
Can  our  sweet  peace  destroy. 


NOTES. 

Verse  1. — It  is  good  to  be  zealously  affected  always  in 
a  good  thing.  The  gospel  requires  that  zeal  which  is  ac- 
cording to  knowledge ;  a  zeal  prompted  and  governed  by 
the  wisdom  which  is  pure,  peaceaole,  gentle,  and  easy  to 
be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  -ood  fruits,  without  partiali- 
ty, and  without  hypocrisy.  But  when  self  love,  false  hopes 
and  wrronu  vie*  .  are  wrouahf    ] 

p}  ejrtaruaJ  exc  lements,  into  a  religious  fervour,  the  result 
w  no  more  I.ke  hol}  zeal,  than  the  glare  of  lightning  at 
midnight,  is  like  the  bright  shining  of  the  sun  in  «  etrtr 


■8  yHB  epiRn 

4>  Let  such  ns  please  hold  up  decree 
And  talk  of  doubts  and  fears  ; 
We've  heard  such  stuff  full  long  enough, 
And  turn  away  our  cars. 

5.  We  plainly  see  that  grace  is  free 

For  all  the  race  of  man  ; 
There's  but  one  call,  and  that's  to  all, 
And  God  saves  all  he  can. 

6.  He  calls  and  strives,  prolongs  their  lives, 

Will  let  them  come  on  trial  ; 

With  much  ado  he  gets  a  few, 

From  most  he  meets  denial. 

7.  Such  as  consent,  did  first  repent> 

And  their  sad  state  deplore ; 
Thus  they  begin  to  conquer  sin, 
And  then  he  helps  them  more. 


Verse  5. — And  God  saves  all  he  can.  This  sentiment, 
which  is  essential  to  the  Methodist's  scheme,  leads  directly 
to  Universalis!!!,  For  his  power  of  saving  men  is  neces- 
sarily unlimited.  He  asserts  that  he  has  mercy  on  whom 
he  will  have  mercy,  and  that  he  is  gracious  to  whom  he 
will  be  gracious. — Rom.  ix.  Besides,  if  there  is  no  differ- 
ence between  a  special  and  general  call,  as  they  contend, 
the  apostle  Paul  asserts  universal  salvation ;  for  he  asserts 
that  all  will  be  saved  who  are  called,  in  his  sense  of  the 
word.  See  Rom.  viii.  30.  1  Thcss.  v.  24.  The  Bible, 
however,  very  plainly  speaks  of  two  calls,  a  general,  and 
special  or  effectual  call. 

Verse  7. — Did  first  repent.  According  to  the  Methodists, 
when  a  sinner  is  alarmed  and  conscious  of  guilt,  he  is  a 
true  penitent.  They  always  place  repentance  before  re- 
generation, and  make  it  consist  in  selfish  fear.  But  such 
repentance  is  merely  tho  sorrow  of  the  world.    True  re« 


OF    METHODISM.  ** 

B.  For  while  they  pray  they  come  half  way  ; 
He  gladly  meets  them  there, 
And  leads  them  through,  so  makes  them  new} 
In  answer  to  their  prayer. 

9.  We  heard  his  call,  we  saw  our  thrall, 
The  danger  we  were  in, 
Then  without  force  we  took  the  course 
That  freed  our  souls  from  sin. 

10.  Not  sovereign  grace,  in  any  case, 

Saves  one  more  than  the  rest : 
All  may  accept,  all  may  reject, 
The  portion  of  the  blest. 

11.  He's  given  grace  to  all  our  race, 

But  now  he  works  by  means  ; 
If  he  should  bind  or  force  the  mind. 
He'd  make  us  all  machines. 


pentance,  of  which  they  seem  entirely  ignorant,  implies  a 
radical  change  ;  it  is  sorrow  for  sin,  arising  from  love  to 
God,  and  reconciliation  to  his  holy  law.  Hence  there  is 
joy  in  Heaven  over  every  sinner  that  repents,  in  the  sense 
of  the  gospel ;  for  in  repenting,  he  turns  to  God,  and  is  ac- 
cepted. 

Verse  11. — The  Methodists,  as  it  appears  from  their  dis- 
cipline, preaching,  and  from  most  of  their  writings,  viru- 
lently oppose  the  doctrine  of  sovereign  grace,  and  contend 
that  God  cannot  make  sinners  willing  by  any  direct  influ- 
ence on  their  hearts.  Hence  they  say  he  does  no  more  for 
one  than  for  another,  as  the  reason  why  one  accepts  of  sal- 
vation rather  than  another.  But  this  is  as  contrary  to  rea- 
son as  it  is  to  the  explicit  language  of  the  Bible.  That  he 
can  and  will  exert  such  an  influence  as  to  make  sinners 
willing,  when  and  where  he  pleases,  through  the  means  he 
has  appointed,  is  the  only  security  for  the  continuance  and 
1* 


12.  It  is  our  part  to  change  the  hear!  . 

This  work  we  must  fulfil ; 
He  loves  our  souls,  all  things  controls, 
Except  the  human  will. 

13.  This  we  were  told,  and  thus  were  bold 

To  give  our  hearts  to  him  ; 
None  can  do  so,  until  they  know 
He  first  accepts  of  them. 

14.  We  fast  and  pray,  and  give  away 

When  private  good  requires, 
And  would  not  miss  of  future  bliss, 
Which  claims  our  hearts  desires. 

15.  Thus  to  possess  true  happiness, 

We  make  our  interests  bend  ; 
There  is  no  man  that  ever  can 
Aim  at  a  higher  end. 

16.  Here  we  may  stay  until  the  day 

We  rise  above  the  skies, 


completion  of  the  church,  and  the  only  encouragement  we 
have  to  pray  for  their  conversion. 

Verse  15. — Their  scheme  discards  disinterested  benevo- 
lence, and  is  built  on  supreme  selfishness.  They  deny  that 
we  ought  to  love  God  for  what  he  is  in  himself,  and  they 
make  our  obligations  to  love  him  rest  entirely  on  his  love 
to  us.  Thus  their  Discipline  says,  page  66,  "  There  is  a 
necessity  of  our  being  justified  by  faith  in  his  blood,  with- 
out which  we  cannot  come  to  know  that  he  loved  us,  and 
washed  us  from  our  sins  in  his  blood.  There  is  a  necessi- 
ty of  knowing  his  love  who  first  loved  us,  without  which 
•we  cannot  love  him."  They  pervert  a  passage  of  scrip- 
ture to  prove  that  God's  love  to  us  is  the  only  motive  from 
which  we  can  love  him.     1  Jo/m,  iv.  19. 

Tv»r<?p  if>, — According  to  them,  evrrv  saint  on  earth  may 


Q]       M  I.  I  lie 


n 


Or  we  may  fall,  and  so  lose  all. 
And  sink  no  more  to  rise. 

17.  Thanks  to  free  will,  we're  happy  still, 
And  shall  be  so  above  ; 
We  all  are  free,  and  do  agree 
To  keep  our  mutual  love. 

fall  away  and  be  lost ;  and  God  lias  not  positively  engaged 
to  preserve  any,  but  makes  it  depend  on  themselves  whe- 
ther they  persevere.  Still  they  expect  to  be  saved  ;  some 
of  them  are  very  confident  that  they  shall  continue  to  the 
end,  and  be  saved.  On  what  does  their  confidence  rest  ? 
Not  on  the  power  or  faithfulness  of  God,  for  they  deny 
that  his  attributes  are  any  way  concerned,  as  to  the  fact 
whether  they  persevere  ;  they  deny  that  any  special  assist- 
ance is  to  be  expected  from  him,  except  what  they  obtain 
by  their  own  efforts.  It  follows,  then,  that  their  confidence 
rests  entirely  on  their  own  freedom  and  resolutions;  and 
that  if  they  do  persevere,  the  glory  of  that  circumstance 
is  to  be  ascribed  to  their  free  will.  M  But  we  have  not  so 
learned  Christ."  He  assures  us  that  while  some,  who  ap- 
pear pious,  will  apostatize  and  be  lost,  true  believers  shall 
never  perish ;  that  "  he  is  able  to  save  them  to  the  utter- 
most, that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to 
make  intercession  for  them."  He  is  able,  not  merely  to 
save  them  on  condition  they  make  themselves  persevere, 
but  he  is  able  to  secure  their  perseverance  ; 4fc  to  keep  them 
from  falling,  and  present  them  faultless  before  the  presence 
of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy."  He  is  able  to  do  this 
consistently  with  their  free  agency  and  accountableness, 
consistently  with  all  the  warnings  and  exhortation  he  has 
given  them.  Indeed  these  warnings  and  exhortations  be- 
long to  that  system  of  means  which  he  has  adopted  for 
preserving  them,  and  which  he  lias  engaged  to  render  ef- 
fectual, ft  appears  from  John  xvii.  and  from  numerous 
other  inspired  passages,  that  he  has  prayed  for  every  one 
of  them,  as  truly  as  he  prayed  for  Peter,  that  their  faith 
fail  no/,  and  that  they  are  in  consequence  kept  by  thf  pover 
of  God  through  f.utii  unfo  rnkxttUm 


18.  Grace  freed  the  mind  of  all  mankind 
From  the  orig'nal  sin  ; 
Grace  made  them  free,  grace  made  them  see. 
From  grace  good  works  begin. 


Believers,  while  on  earth,  must  consider  themselves  as 
in  danger,  and  the  promises  as  made  to  them  conditional- 
ly. For  they  have  not  absolute  certainty  that  they  are 
yet  interested  in  that  covenant,  which  is  ordered  in  all 
things,  and  sure.  Nothing  but  perseverance  to  the  end  in 
a  course  of  holiness,  can  complete  the  evidence  of  their 
adoption.  A  perseverance  through  life  in  a  religious  pro- 
fession, zeal,  joy,  and  hope,  will  not  secure  salvation,  unless 
they  are  in  accordance  with  the  leading  truths  of  the  gos- 
pel, so  as  to  arise  from  true  faith.  Even  true  believers  will 
perish,  unless  they  voluntarily  watch,  pray,  and  keep  them- 
selves in  the  love  of  God.  w  But  he  who  has  begun  a 
good  work  in  them  will  perform  it,"  by  causing  them  thus 
to  persevere.  He  can  and  will  directly  influence  their 
hearts  for  this  purpose.  His  people  shall  be  luilling  in  the 
day  of  his  power.  Hence,  nothing  can  separate  them  from 
the  love  of  God,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  Con- 
sidering his  powerful  intercession  for  them,  his  promise, 
covenant,  and  oath,  it  is  impossible  that  they  should  be  lost, 
in  the  same  sense  that  it  is  impossible  for  God  to  lie. 

Thus  Calvinists  hold  that  final  salvation  depends  ulti- 
mately on  the  power  and  faithfulness  of  God ;  while  Me- 
thodists hold  that  it  depends  ultimately  on  human  agency. 
They  are  therefore  consistent  in  holding  that  all  the  saints 
on  earth  may  be  lost;  for  human  agency  affords  no  securi- 
ty that  any  of  them  will  be  saved.  They  would  be  more 
consistent,  should  they  hold  that  all  will  be  lost;  for  univer- 
sal damnation  is  a  legitimate  inference  from  their  scheme. 

Verse  18. — The  sentiment  that  Christ  has  done  away 
original  sin,  and  given  grace  to  all  mankind,  hes  at  the 
foundation  of  their  scheme.  They  pretend  to  prove  this 
by  three  passages,  John  1.  9.;  Rom.  v.  18.;  1  Cor.  xii.  7. 
These  passages  are  well  explained  in  Scott's  Bible.  It 
would  seem  that  a  person  of  the  weakest  capacity  might 


OF    MSI  BOKSM,  13 

19.  So  after  all,  we  say  with  Paul. 

Salvation  is  of  grace  ; 
We  know  we're  right,  and  with  our  might 
We'll  sing  our  Maker's  praise. 

20.  We'll  own  our  name,  nor  yield  to  shame, 

Though  grievously  opprest ; 
Well  take  the  cross,  sustain  the  loss, 
And  thus  we  shall  he  blest. 

THEIR    BRILLIANT    PROSPECTS. 

21.  Our  number  grows  amidst  our  woes, 

And  growing  will  endure  ; 
Our  growing  fame  we'll  all  proclaim, 
.None  have  a  cause  so  pure. 

22.  The  journals  sound  our  fame  around. 

We  know  what  this  denotes  ; 
All  will  respect  our  rising  sect. 
Who  wish  to  get  our  votes. 

23.  We  know  the  tricks  of  politics, 

And  where  we  can  prevail, 

perceive,  by  reading  them  in  the  connexion  in  which  they 
stand,  that  they  have  no  such  meaning  as  the  Methodists 
give  to  them.  Christ  has  placed  all  men  on  probation, 
having  provided  salvation  for  them.  When  any  comply 
with  the  conditions,  they  are  accepted  ;  the  rest  remain  in 
the  gall  of  bitterness,  children  of  wrath  by  nature,  enemies 
to  God.  There  is  not  the  least  evidence  in  the  Bible  that 
children  enter  the  world  in  a  justified  state,  or  that  they 
have  any  faculties  or  gifts  bestowed  on  their  minds  by 
grace  ;  but  they  are  said  to  go  astray  as  soon  as  born,  to  be 
under  condemnation  till  they  are  born  again  by  renewing 
grace.  But  such  as  die  in  infancy  may  be  renewed  and 
Btved 


11  XHE    SPIKIT 

We  know  the  great  will  seek  our  weight. 
That  we  may  turn  their  scale. 

24.  The  thoughtless  clan  approve  our  plan. 

And  'tis  a  happy  omen, 
For  'twas  foretold  by  John  of  old, 
"The  earth  should  help  the  woman." 

25.  While  earth  and  heaven  approve  our  leaven. 

And  ravens  seem  to  feed  us, 

We  almost  guess  that  in  this  case 

Success  has  been  decreed  us. 

26.  At  least  we  know  that  we  shall  grow 

And  burst  our  bai  ds  asunder ; 
Our  foes  shall  own  our  new  "jaw-bone." 
And  all  the  world  shall  wonder.* 

27.  'Tis  the  intent  on  which  we're  bent, 

To  turn  things  right  side  up, 
And    hen  we  mean  to  make  all  clean. 
The  platter  and  the  cup. 

28.  We  disunite  and  proselyte 

Those  who  obstruct  our  way, 
And  thus  prove  true,  and  service  do 
To  him  whom  we  obey. 

29.  But  still  we  greet  them,  and  sometimes  meet 

them, 
E'en  at  their  gospel  feast  ; 


*  Sec  Rev.  xiii.  '>. 

Verso  29. — Many  pious  persons,  of  limited  information 
who  mean  no  barm,  and  consequently  suspect   none,  arc 


oF    METHODISM.  1(3 

We  wish  them  well,  would  not  compel, 
Nor  harm  them  in  the  least. 

30.  We're  not  precise,  nor  over  nice, 

Respecting  our  communion  ; 

The  world  shall  see  our  charity, 

And  how  we  long  for  union. 

31.  Let  pride  be  made  to  hide  its  head, 

And  party  spirit  blighted, 
And  names  no  more  exert  their  power  ; 
Let  Christians  be  united. 

32.  WTe  long  to  see  them  all  agree, 

And  loving  one  another, 
All  act  their  parts  with  friendly  hearts, 
As  ifthey  had  one  mother. 

33.  There  soon  would  be  such  harmony, 

If  all  would  let  us  guide, 
But  we  are  foiled,  and  all  is  spoiled 
By  Presbyterian  pride, 


induced  to  think  that  the  Methodists  are  inoffensive,  and 
may  do  some  good.  Unwilling  to  displease  them,  they 
yield  to  their  wishes,  encourage  their  meetings,  and  some- 
times attend,  and  think  they  preach  pretty  well.  They 
have  no  intention  to  join  them :  but  their  example  leads 
the  rising  generation  to  attend,  and  to  form  such  attach- 
ments as  ultimately  to  be  ensnared.  In  a  similar  way  the 
papists  are  making  inroads  at  ihe  south  and  west.  Their 
zeal,  love,  affectation  of  sincerity,  humility,  and  candour, 
are  similar  to  those  of  the  Methodists.  They  are  equally 
fluent  in  quoting  scripture,  equally  fervent  in  their  address, 
equally  fascinating  in  their  manner,  and  equally  skilful 
in  making  proselytes. 


10  i 'iii-i  SPI4U  i 

"34.  That  stiii'cold  sect  will  still  object 
And  hinder  our  increase  ; 
Their  lofty  towers  must  yield  to  ours? 
Or  there  can  be  no  peace. 

35.  But  all  must  see  antiquity 

Seems  friendly  to  their  claim  ; 
What  we  have  more  still  to  deplore, 
The  Bible  does  the  same. 

36.  Their  forms  and  scheme  will  somehow  seem 

And  all  that  they  profess, 
To  be  like  those  who  from  their  foes 
Fled  to  the  wilderness  ; 

37.  That  hidden  few  who  still  were  true, 

While  under  papal  power, 
Whom  fire  and  blood,  the  serpent's  flood, 
Still  threatened  to  devour. 

38.  But  we  suspect  that  this  old  sect 

Is  doomed  soon  to  decay, 
And  yield  their  name,  and  every  claim, 
To  our  superior  sway. 

39.  As  sunk  the  Jews,  who  did  refuse 

The  offer  of  salvation, 
Let  all  go  down  that  will  not  own 
Our  famous  dispensation. 


Verse  37. — Rev.  xii.  15.  And  the  serpent  cast  out  of  his 
mouth  water  as  a  flood,  after  the  woman.  Rev.  viii.  7 
Airtl  there*  followed  hail  and  fire,  mine-led  with'  blood. 


OP  METIIODIS31.  1  t 

XilEIK   FEELINGS    TQWARDS    PRESBYTERIANS. 

40.  Our  souls  detest,  above  the  rest, 

This  Presbyterian  crew ; 
That  they  hate  us  will  bring  a  curse 
On  every  thing  they  do. 

41.  With  all  their  might  they  hide  the  light 

Which  we  pour  on  the  world  ; 
In  their  old  way  they  hold  their  sway, 
Their  banners  still  unfurled. 

42.  Though  cold  and  weak,  they  seem  to  seek 

To  show  their  consequence  ; 
They  have  their  tools,  their  bible  schools, 
And  their  church  conference. 

43.  They  sometimes  preach  just  what  we  teach, 

And  talk  of  free  salvation, 
Then  shift  their  course,  and  with  great  force 
Preach  up  predestination. 


Verse  40. — This  implacable  enmity  against  Presbyteri- 
ans and  Congregationalists,  can  arise  from  nothing  but  hos- 
tility5 against  the  doctrines  of  grace.  For  these  denomi- 
nations have  treated  the  Methodists  with  peculiar  lenit}% 
and  have  showed  even  an  undue  solioitude  to  secure  their 
co-operation  in  support  of  charitable  institutions.  But 
their  unpardonable  offence,  in  view  of  the  Methodists,  is, 
that  they  sometimes  contend  for  the  faith  which  was  once 
delivered  to  the  saints. 

Verse  42. — See  Christian  Advocate  and  Journal,  Janu- 
ary 2,  1829. 

Verse  43. — The  Calvinists  believe  and  preach  that  sin- 
ners are  able  to  do  what  Gt>d  requires,  and  that  nothing 
hindera  them  but  a  criminal  unwillingness  ;  and  that  this 
unwillingness,  if  overcome  at  all,  must  be  overcome  through 
2 


18  THE    .SPIRIT 

44.  Will  Heaven  bless  such  naughtiness. 

Such  gross  adulteration  ? 
But  Heaven  and  we  shall  yet  agree 
About  their  destination. 

45.  They'd  make  a  truce,  and  us  seduce 

To  help  them  publish  tracts, 
But  we  despise  their  thin  disguise, 
As  well  as  their  attacks. 

46.  They  seek  to  please,  omit  decrees, 

And  act  a  fawning  part ; 
,But  'tis  deceit,  we  see  the  cheat, 
They're  Calvinists  at  heart. 

47.  They  must  not  claim  our  bishop's  name, 

Nor  any  of  our  class  ; 
The  scriptures  say,  and  we  obey, 
"  Join  not  the  ox  and  ass." 


the  use  of  means,  such  means  as  God  has  appointed,  faith 
ful  instruction,  exhortations,  warnings,  and  invitations. 
Hence  with  perfect  consistency  they  address  the  conscience, 
and  fervently  urge  sinners  to  become  reconciled  to  God, 
assuring  them  that  all  things  are  ready  for  their  reception  ; 
for  while  they  believe  that  God  is  a  sovereign,  and  works 
all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will,  they  believe 
that  he  has  connected  means  with  ends,  and  that  as  he  is 
determined  to  save  some  sinners  in  a  particular  way,  he 
is  determined  not  to  save  them  in  any  other  way.  Thus 
they  believe  and  advocate  the  whole  gospel.  But  the 
Methodists  deny  at  least  one  half  of  the  gospel.  While  they 
admit  that  salvation  is  provided  for  all,  and  that  all  ought 
to  comply  ;  they  deny  that  God  has  secured  the  salvation 
of  any.  His  covenant,  oath,  and  eternal  purpose,  which 
secure  a  redeemed  church,  and  which  are  a  thousand  times 
and  in#a  thousand  ways  repeated  in  the  bible,  they  virtual- 
ly denv 


ot     METHODISM.  19 

48.  The  long-ear'd  beast  may  starve  or  feast, 

But  never  can  be  pretty  ; 

It  is  unclean  and  always  mean, 

But  still  it  claims  our  pity. 

49.  As  we've  begun  like  Abram's  son,* 

So  we  will  stand  alone  ; 
Should  we  unite,  we  could  not  fight, 
Nor  hold  what  is  our  own. 

50.  Bending  our  force  to  one  straight  course, 

Collecting  all  our  rays, 
We'll  clear  our  way,  and  then  display 
One  Methodistic  blaze. 

51.  We  have  of  late  become  so  great, 

While  only  in  our  prime, 
We  will  contrive  to  grow  and  thrive, 
And  make  our  name  sublime. 

52.  Should  Pharaoh  see  what  is  to  be, 

And  dream  another  scene, 
He'd  see  the  worst  show  their  heads  firsts 
The  fat  eat  up  the  lean. 

53.  He'd  look  again  through  all  the  plain, 

And  see  our  harvest  waving, 
And  not  an  ear  would  there  appear, 
But  such  as  are  worth  saving. 

54.  Although  we  view  this  sinking  crew 

As  bordering  on  th'  infernal, 


*  Tshmael. 


20 


THE    SriKIT 


We'll  be  as  mild  as  any  child— 
Our  weapons  are  not  carnal. 

55.  Our  constant  aim  is  to  reclaim 

Their  precious  souls  from  blindness. 
To  set  them  free  from  bigotry, 
And  do  them  thus  a  kindness. 

56.  O  !  who  can  think  about  the  brink 

To  which  they're  drawing  near ; 
And  let  them  go  right  on  to  wo, 
And  never  shed  a  tear  ? 

57.  Our  rising  sun  has  now  begun 

To  chase  their  fogs  of  night ; 
How  sweet  they'd  sing  if  our  day  spring 
Should  fill  their  souls  with  light. 

58.  A  part  profess  some  holiness, 

And  seem  to  seek  salvation  ; 
But  this  proceeds  from  our  good  deeds, 
Which  move  their  emulation. 

59.  But  stop  awhile,  and  hear  and  smile, 

And  afterwards  proceed  ; 
One  of  their  nest  speaks  for  the  rest. 
And  promulgates  their  creed. 

THE    CALVINISTIC    CREED. 

60.  "  All  may  perceive  what  we  believe, 

The  scheme  that  we  defend  ; 
Plain  scriptural  truth  we  teach  our  youth, 
For  this  we  must  contend. 


*l    MSI  H0DI1  *J1 

01.  "  The  scheme  we  claim  must  be  the  same 
That  had  inspired  protection, 
Because  it  tends  to  the  same  ends, 
And  meets  the  same  objection. 

62.  "  Truth  is  our  guide  ;  with  those  we  side, 
Who're  governed  by  the  scriptures; 
But  we're  not  bound  by  what  is  found 
In  any  human  strictures. 

63.  "  Since  there  have  been  such  pious  men 
As  Calvin,  Edwards,  Dwight, 
Who  had  acquired,  though  uninspired. 
Extensive  scriptural  light  : 

04.  "  Things  that  they  wrote  we  sometimes  quote, 
Their  works  we  often  read  ; 
In  some  things  we  may  disagree — 
The  bible  is  our  creed. 

(jo.  "  This  book  we  take  as  what  God  spake 
In  its  most  obvious  sense  ; 
Compare  its  parts,  but  use  no  arts, 
And  would  give  none  offence. 

GO.  u  This  shows  mankind  that  they  are  blind, 
It  shows  that  God  is  holy, 
And  to  what  end  he'll  all  things  bend. 
Advancing  his  own  glory ; 

67.  "  Unfolds  his  plan  for  saving  man, 
Shows  why  the  Saviour  died, 
And  that  he  will  be  sovereign  still. 
And  stain  all  human  pride. 


9t  Tm:   BPiMT 

68.  "  We  rose  at  first  from  humble  dust. 

In  guilt  did  life  begin, 
We  spent  our  days  in  sinful  ways, 
Have  still  remains  of  sin. 

69.  "  We  should  despair  of  any  share 

Among  the  saints  in  light, 
Did  not  God's  word  kind  hope  afford 
To  cheer  the  gloom  of  night. 

70.  "  His  word  is  near,  and  all  may  hear 

Its  joyful,  glorious  sound — 
c  O  sinners,  live,  I  can  forgive, 
For  I've  a  ransom  found.' 

71.  "  A  general  call  is  made  to  all, 

But  sinners  will  refuse  ; 
While  they  are  deaf,  through  unbelief, 
God's  mercy  they  abuse. 


Verse  71. — None  more  firmly  and  consistently  believe  in 
the  freeness  of  salvation  than  Calvinists  do;  and  none 
more  fervently  invite  and  urge  sinners,  of  every  descrip- 
tion, to  comply  with  the  terms  of  salvation.  But  they  be- 
lieve the  whole  gospel.  Hence,  while  they  believe  that  all 
may  be  saved,  they  also  believe  that  some  shafl  be  saved. 
These  two  sentiments  are  kept  in  view  through  the  bible  ; 
they  are  distinctly  advanced  by  our  Saviour  in  the  same 
connexion. — John  vi.  39,  40.  lie  asserted  that  all  whom 
the  Father  gave  him  s/uill  be  saved,  and  that  all,  by  be- 
lievu'g  in  him,  may  be  saved. 

He  has  promised,  covenanted,  determined,  and  declared, 
with  an  oath,  that  some  shall  be  saved  to  the  praise  of  the 
glory  of  his  grace.  Ilenre  he  has  rendered  it  certain  that 
some  shall  be  willing  to  comply  with  the  terms  of  salva- 
tion through  the  appointed  means  ;  for  it  is  not  otherwise 
possible  for  them  to  be  saved.     Hut  all  will  not  be  ^nved. 


0]     METHODISM 


.  %*  Thus  we  delayed  and  disobeyed, 
And  should  have  done  so  still, 

But  grace  divine  did  on  us  shine, 
And  reconciled  our  will. 


for  they  will  not  become  thus  willing.  Hence  it  follows 
that  he  has  made  it  certain  that  some  will  be  willing  rather 
than  others.  Thus,  after  promising  Christ  a  seed  to  serve 
him,  God  said,  "  thy  people  shall  be  willing  in  the  day  of 
thy  power."  If  it  were  not  his  work  \o  convert  sinners  or 
make  them  willing,  it  would  be  not  merely  inconsistent,  but 
impious,  to  pray  that  he  would  convert  them.  The  Me- 
thodists, on  their  principles,  insult  him  when  they  pray 
that  he  would  do  this,  for  they  ask  him  to  do  what  they 
say  he  cannot  do  ;  but  if  they  should  deny  this  charge,  and 
say  that  he  can  and  does  make  sinners  willing,  when  and 
where  he  chooses,  they  would,  by  saying  this,  abandon 
their  creed  and  become  Calvinists.  For  if  God  thus  makes 
any  sinners  willing  to  comply  with  the  terms  of  salvation, 
he  makes  them  differ  from  others,  and  designs  to  make 
them  differ.  As  is  he  is  unchangeable,  he  always  designed 
this  ;  that  is,  he  chose  them  in  Christ  before  the  foundation 
of  the  world,  that  they  should  be  holy.  Though  the  Me- 
thodists should  not  immediately  adopt  this  conclusion,  yet 
they  would  ultimately  embrace  the  whole  system  of  Cal- 
vinism, and  could  not  consistently  avoid  it,  if  they  would 
consent  that  God  should  have  the  glory  of  converting  sin- 
ners, by  admitting  that  those,  and  those  only,  comply, 
whom  he  makes  willing. 

The  Methodists  err  in  almost  every  respect :  but  this  is 
the  point  from  which  they,  in  common  with  all  other  er- 
rorists,  commence  their  aberration.  They  deny  that  God, 
as  a  holy  sovereign,  makes  some  sinners  willing  to  comply 
with  the  terms  of  the  gospel,  and  justly  leaves  others  to 
their  own  chosen  way.  Admit  this  point,  and  you  will 
see  that  the  bible  contains  one  consistent,  harmonious 
scheme  of  doctrines,  precept^  invitations,  and  threatenings 
and  promises.  Deny  it,  and  you  will  lose  sight  of  that 
fill  symmetry,  and    through  a  bewildered  state  of 


%  \  TIIK    SPIRIT 

73.  "  Adored  be  his  sovereignty, 

That  we  can  speak  his  praise, 
And  millions  more  shall  yet  adore 
His  purposes  of  grace. 

74.  "  Grace  he  bestows  on  whom  he  chose. 

And  offers  to  the  rest ; 
While  all  may  come,  he  will  draw  some 
To  be  for  ever  blest. 

75.  "  We  do  not  know  why  he  does  so. 

But  know  that  he  does  right — 
Father,  we  say,  this  is  thy  way, 
It  seemed  good  in  thy  sight. 

76.  "  With  him  we  join  who  is  divine, 

In  using  this  expression  ;        m 
He  viewed  displays  of  sovereign  grace 
With  joy  and  calm  submission. 


mind  you  will  be  liable  to  adopt  any  cunningly  devised 
system  of  error,  and  to  think  it  is  the  gospel.  There  is  a 
way  that  seemeth  right  unto  a  man,  but  the  end  thereof  are 
r?ays  of  death.  Admit  this  point,  and  you  will  be  a  Cal- 
vinist.  Deny  it,  and  the  more  you  study  religious  subjects 
the  farther  you  will  wander,  kw  ever  coming  and  never  able 
to  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth" — Wt  in  endless  mazes 
lost." 

Verse  76. — "  At  that  time  Jesus  answered  and  said,  4 1 
thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  because 
thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and 
hast  revealed  them  unto  babes.  Even  so,  Father,  for  so  it 
seemed  good  in  thy  sight.'  " — Mai.  xi.  25.  In  connexion 
with  this  expression,  Jesus  invites  sinners  to  come  to  him, 
and  learn  of  him,  that  they  n#&y  find  rest  to  their  souls;  in- 
timating that  they  never  will  be  satisfied  with  divine  sove* 
reignty  till  they  leain  of  him. 


OF   METHODIS3I.  25 

77.  u  It  is  his  the  part  to  change  the  heart, 

And  ours  to  seek  salvation  ; 
To  seek  and  pray,  that  others  may 
Accept  the  invitation. 

78.  "  When  any  here  begin  to  fear, 

And  see  their  ruined  state, 
T;-  hoped  that  they  will  yet  obey, 
Uefore  it  be  too  late. 

79.  "  But  though  distrest,  with  guilt  opprest, 

They're  not  freed  from  the  curse, 
Till  they  believe,  and  Christ  receive, 
But  still  are  growing  worse. 

80.  "  When  from  free  choice  they  hear  his  voice, 

Renouncing  all  their  sins, 

It  is  because  the  Spirit  draws, 

And  thus  the  work  begins. 

81.  "  Now  they  are  still,  and  own  the  will 

Of  their  Almighty  Lord, 
His  name  adore,  his  grace  implore, 
And  tremble  at  his  word. 

82.  "  While  he  imparts  grace  to  their  hearts, 

His  glory  they  proclaim  ; 
They  love  his  laws,  they  love  his  cause, 
And  all  that  love  his  name. 

83.  "They've  still  remains  of  sinful  stain- 

And  sometimes  doubt  and  fear, 
But  they  are  made,  by  special  aid, 
To  hone  and  persevere. 


M 


THE    SPIRIT 


84.  "  They've  no  desire  for  that  strange  fire, 

Enthusiastic  zeal, 
Which  so  controls  deluded  souls, 
Trusting  to  what  they  feel. 

85.  "  By  works  of  love  their  faith  they  prove, 

Kept  by  God's  mighty  power  ; 
By  concert,  prayer,  and  watchful  care, 
Make  their  election  sure. 

86.  "  When  gloomy  death  shall  stop  their  breath. 
And  free  the  immortal  mind, 
They'll  calmly  go  from  all  below, 
A  better  world  to  find. 

87.  "  There  freed  from  sin,  and  trusting  in 

God's  comprehensive  plan, 
They'll  this  repeat,  grace  does  complete. 
The  work  that  grace  began. 

88.  "  The  holiness  that  we  profess, 

And  never  can  transmute, 
Has  many  names,  but  always  claims 
True  doctrine,  love  and  fruit. 


Verse  88.— The  doctrines  of  the  gospel  lay  a  foundation 
for  a  correct  experience  and  for  a  holy  life.  They  may  be 
compared  to  the  roots,  and  experience  to  the  branches, 
while  good  works  are  the  fruit.  A  correct  belief,  a  correct 
experience,  and  a  correct  practicp,  constitute  the  religion 
which  the  gospel  requires.  Good  works  without  experi- 
ence is  hypocrisy— experience  without  doctrine  is  fanati- 
cism—doctrine without  experience  is  Antinomianisn.  Any 
two  of  these  without  the  other  will  constitute  some  heresy 
that  iR  inconsistent  with  salvation. 


OF    METHODISM.  27 

99,    •  Where  one  of  these,  name  which  you  please. 
Is  taken  from  the  rest, 
There  is  no  grace  found  in  that  place, 
Whatever  is  profest. 

90.  "  Good  works  alone  will  not  atone 
For  any  one  offence  ; 
Correct  belief  gives  no  relief 
Without  experience. 

01.  "  Experience  too  will  never  do. 
Unless  the  faith  is  right  ; 
'Tis  but  a  blaze  that  soon  decays, 
A  meteor  of  the  night. 

9&  "  But  where  all  these  three  properties 
Are  in  one  person  found, 
They  show  that  he  has  piety, 
They  prove  his  heart  is  sound/'* 

THE    REMARKS    OF    THE    METHODISTS    ON    THE 
ABOVE    CALVINISTIC    CREED. 

03.  This  is  their  scheme,  the  very  cream 
Of  all  their  wit  and  learning ; 


Verse  93. — This  Calvinistic  scheme,  which  God  has  so 
Extensively  blessed,  which  is  so  honourable  to  him,  so 
alarming  to  sinners,  so  consoling  to  saints,  so  conducive  to 
holiness,  and  so  consistent  with  itself  and  the  whole  scope 
of  the  bible,  the  methodists  treat  with  ridicule  and  bur- 
lesque in  their  sermons.  One  of  their  preachers  says,  I 
would  rather  spend  my  breath  in  blowing  up  bladders 
than  in  preaching  it.  Another  says,  if  I  wished  to  advocate 
the  cause  of  Satan,  I  would  preach  it.  Another  says,  it 
came  from  hell,  and  will  go  back  to  hell ;  would  to  God  I 


28  THE    SPIRIT 

O  who  can  utter  how  much  butter 
It  would  produce  by  churning. 


could  now  preach  its  funeral  sermon.  Another  says,  if  it 
is  true,  sinners  can  face  the  Almighty  at  the  day  of  judg- 
ment, and  charge  all  their  sins  and  guilt  on  him,  and  im- 
peach him  if  he  presumes  to  punish  them.  This  is  not  the 
language  of  their  illiterate  preachers  merely,  but  of  their 
ruling  elders  and  bishops.  Even  Mr.  Wesley,  their  great 
father,  says,  "  On  supposition  this  doctrine  is  true,  (call  it 
election,  reprobation,  or  what  you  please,  for  all  comes  to 
the  same  thing,)  one  might  say  to  the  adversary,  the  devil, 
thou  fool,  why  roarest  thou  about  any  longer ?  Thy  lying 
in  wait  for  souls  is  as  needless  and  useless  as  our  preach- 
ing. Hearcst  thou  not  that  God  hath  taken  thy  work  out 
of  thine  hands,  and  that  he  doeth  it  much  more  effectual- 
ly? Thou,  with  all  thy  principalities  and  powers,  canst 
only  so  assault  that  we  may  resist  thee  ;  but  he  can  irre- 
sistibly destroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell.  Thou  canst 
only  entice,  but  his  unchangeable  decree  to  leave  thousands 
of  souls  in  death  compels  them  to  continue  in  sin  till  they 
drop  into  everlasting  burnings.  Thou  fool,  why  goest 
thou  about  any  longer,  seeking  whom  thon  mayest  devour? 
Hearest  thou  not  that  God  is  the  devouring  lion,  the  de- 
stroyer of  souls,  the  murderer  of  men?"  See  tract  35, 
which  the  Methodists  have  republished  and  sent  through 
the  United  States. 

In  all  their  periodicals  they  repeat  the  assertion,  that  if 
Calvinism  be  right,  Methodism  cannot  be  wrong,  since  it 
is  only  a  part  of  God's  plan.  This  assertion,  so  many 
thousand  times  repeated  by  them,  takes  it  for  granted  that 
it  is  no  matter  what  we  believe  and  do  if  God  has  decreed 
all  things ;  that  is,  if  he  has  an  all-comprehensive  plan, 
it  is  no  matter  how  much  we  insult  him  !  The  blasphe- 
mous inferences  which  they  attach  to  Calvinism  have  done 
much  towards  furnishing  drunkards  and  hypocrites  with 
their  excuses  and  objections.  Thus  multitudes,  who  be- 
lieve that  all  things  are  decreed,  and  oppose  the  Metho- 
dists, still  admit  their  conclusions.  Some  of  this  descrip- 
tion are  connected  with  different  denominations,  but  most 


OF    METHODISM.  29 

94.  Could  we  relate  it,  we  could  so  state  it 
That  'twould  not  seem  just  so, 
But  here's  the  root,  the  cloven  foot, 
Hence  we  will  let  it  go. 


of  them  belong  to  no  religious  order.  They  make  no  dis- 
tinction between  God's  preceptive  will,  and  his  decretive 
will.  Hence  they  virtually  deny  his  moral  government, 
and  justify  themselves  for  their  wickedness,  on  the  ground 
that  they  cannot  do  otherwise  than  God  has  decreed,  and 
say  if  they  are  to  be  saved  they  shall  be,  and  if  not  they 
cannot  help  it.  Some  of  this  description  have  professed 
religion,  and  value  themselves  on  their  orthodoxy  and  op- 
position to  Methodism.  They  plead  their  dependence  as 
an  excuse  for  their  sloth  and  lukewarmness.  They  talk 
about  the  imperfection  of  saints  as  if  it  were  not  their  duty 
to  be  perfectly  holy  ;  about  saints'  perseverance  as  if  they 
might  be  saved  without  working  out  their  salvation  ;  and 
about  waiting  God's  time  to  convert  sinners  as  if  he  did 
not  work  by  means  and  instruments. 

Methodist  preachers  in  their  peregrinations,  often  come 
in  contact  with  these  pseudo-Calvinists,  dispute  and  wran- 
gle with  them,  and  then  extensively  proclaim  abroad  their 
blasphemous  expressions  as  a  specimen  of  real  Calvinism. 
But  this  is  disingenuous,  for  these  mongrel  sentiments  are 
but  the  spurious  offspring  or  conclusions  of  Methodism 
from  Calvinism ;  they  are  equally  disowned  and  abhorred 
by  both.  But  the  orthodox  Presbyterians  and  Congrega- 
tionalists  do  not,  for  the  purpose  of  renouncing  them,  imi- 
tate the  Methodists  in  resorting  to  the  opposite  extreme, 
so  as  to  procreate  errors  equally  monstrous  and  absurd. 
The  course  which  the  scriptures  mark  out  is  straight  and 
plain.  To  turn  from  it  to  the  right  hand  is  as  fatal  as  it  is 
to  turn  to  the  left.  As  two  persons,  by  pursuing  directly 
opposite  courses,  would  ultimately  meet,  so  all  religious 
sentiments  that  deviate  in  any  direction  from  the  Calvin- 
istic  meridian,  tend  to  inlidelity  as  their  common  and  ulti- 
mate Thule. 
Verse  94.— The  Methodists,  when  they  pretend  to  show 
3 


30  THE    SPIRIT 

95.  This  mixt  up  mess,  which  they  profess. 

Would  make  your  palate  tingle  ; 
It  does  not  seem  like  our  smooth  scheme,* 
And  does  not  like  it  jingle. 

96.  It  might,  forsooth,  seem  like  the  truth. 

If  they  would  let  us  mend  it ; 
When  we'd  destroy  its  base  alloy$ 
They  strenuously  defend  it. 

97.  So  deaf  are  they  to  what  we  say, 

To  forms  so  much  enslaved, 
We  almost  cede  what's  in  their  creed. 
They're  totally  depraved. 

98.  But  to  deny  their  piety 

Might  seem  to  be  too  bold, 
Hence,  though  we  fear  they're  not  sincere; 
We'll  only  say  they're  cold. 

$9.  We  have  no  schism  about  baptism, 
And  care  not  what  they  say, 
For  we  baptize  by  compromise, 
Adopting  any  way. 

100.  But  we'll  again  let  them  explain, 
If  they  will  but  be  brief — 
Now  hearken  well,  and  hear  them  tell 
A  piece  of  their  belief. 


what  are  the  sentiments  of  Presbyterians  and  Congrega- 
tionalists,  always  misrepresent  them,  and  then  undertake 
to  confute  what  no  denomination  believes. 


OF   METHODISM.        ,  31 

PRESBYTERIAN    BAPTISM. 

101.  M  It  was  decreed  a  holy  seed 

Should  long  this  earth  possess ; 
Successive  rise  till  nature  dies, 
Through  parents'  faithfulness. 

102.  "  This  covenant  made  first  with  our  Head, 

To  Abram  was  revealed, 
To  be  conveyed  to  all  his  seed 
By  circumcision  sealed. 

103.  "  But  water  now,  as  most  allow, 

Has  superseded  blood  ; 
This  rite  we  prize,  our  seed  baptize 
And  dedicate  to  God. 

104.  "  Such  as  believe,  should  now  receive 

This  holy  christian  badge, 
Unless  apprized  they  were  baptized 
While  in  their  infant  age. 

105.  "  'Most  all  modes  are  left  to  our  care. 

Referred  to  our  discretion, 
Where  is  it  found  thai  God  has  bound 
His  people  to  immersion  ? 

106.  "The  word  baptize  surely  implies 

A  different  allusion  ; 
The  thing  confest  is  oft  exprest 
By  sprinkling  or  affusion." 

THE    REMAKKS    OF    THE    METHODISTS. 

107.  We'd  pass  this  by  without  reply. 

And  let  them  live  at  ease. 


32  THE    SPIRIT 

But  their  baptism  and  every  ism. 
Is  mixt  up  with  decrees. 

108.  A  holy  seed  is  here  decreed, 

But  still  an  infant  throng 
Must  go  to  hell,  their  preachers  tell, 
Though  only  a  span  long. 

109.  The  non-elect  God  will  reject, 

Though  they  have  been  baptized, 
But  all  the  rest  must  needs  be  blest — 
Why  then  is  this  rite  prized  ? 

110.  Why  baptize  those  whom  God  first  chose, 

And  destined  to  be  saved  ? 
Baptized  or  no,  to  heaven  they'll  go, 
Though  totally  depraved. 

111.  Thus  Calvinism  annuls  baptism, 

Defeats  its  very  end — 
But  here  we  stop,  let  this  point  drop, 
For  this  no  more  contend. 


Verse  109. — This  is  a  fair  specimen  of  the  way  in  which 
Methodists  pervert  the  doctrine  of  divine  decrees.  The  ah- 
surdity  of  it  would  be  seen  at  once  if  applied  to  temporal 
things,  which  are  as  really  subject  to  divine  decrees  as  spi- 
ritual things.  God  has  determined  that  a  number  of  farm- 
ers, through  industry  and  economy,  shall  have  a  good 
supply  of  produce  next  year,  and  that  others,  through  their 
sloth,  shall  have  nothing.  But  according  to  the  Metho- 
dists, if  God  has  determined  these  things,  farmers  need 
not  use  any  means  at  all ;  some  will  have  a  crop,  and 
some  will  not,  even  if  they  all  neglect  the  means.  Nothing 
ran  be  more  false. 


OF  METHODISM.  3$ 

112.  Baptists  and  they  may  have  their  way. 

And  hold  long  disputations  ; 
We  slight  the  event,  our  time  is  spent 
In  other  occupations. 

113.  But  when  they  urge  their  horrid  scourge. 

That  fate  all  things  controls, 
This  is  a  thing  that  strikes  a  string, 
Which  vibrates  through  our  souls. 


Verse  113. — How  much  better  it  would  be  for  the  Me- 
thodists to  become  reconciled  to  divine  decrees,  than  to  en- 
dure so  much  pain  on  account  of  them,  or  to  take  so  much 
pains  to  prove  that  they  do  not  exist !  If  they  should  suc- 
ceed in  believing  that  God  does  not  work  all  things  after 
the  counsel  of  his  own  will,  and  is  not  determined  what 
to  do  with  his  creatures,  they  cannot  enjoy  the  delusion 
long.  In  the  light  of  eternity  they  must  for  ever  see  that 
he  is  a  sovereign,  that  he  has  declared  the  end  from  the 
beginning,  that  his  counsel  will  stand,  and  that  he  will  do 
all  his  pleasure.  That  inconsistent  scheme  they  have  in- 
troduced for  the  purpose  of  excluding  divine  decrees,  does 
not  remove  one  difficulty  respecting  them.  They  are  obli- 
ged to  admit  that  God  foreknew  whatever  comes  to  pass, 
that  he  saw  the  whole  from  eternity.  Hence  there  was  an 
absolute  certainty  that  all  things  would  come  to  pass  just 
as  they  do.  But  what  made  it  certain  ?  Calvinists  say 
God  foreordained  them,  and  that  he  did  it  in  such  a  wa}j 
as  U,;;ecure  the  free  agency  and  accountability  of  men, 
the  connexion  between  means  and  ends,  that  all  the  free* 
dom  which  exists  is  a  part  of  his  plan.  But  Methodists 
deny  that  God  rendered  certain  the  things  which  he  fore- 
knew as  about  to  come  to  pass.  Hence  they,  and  not  the 
Calvinists,  virtually  hold  to  fatalism.  This  is  heathen  fate, 
that  a  blind  something  rendered  future  things  certain,  and 
Jupiter  foresaw  them  as  a  mere  spectator.  The  Metho- 
dists, by  denying  divine  decrees,  and  admitting  God's  fore- 
knowledge, virtually  adopt  the  same  absurditv. 
3* 


•34  MIB    SPIRIT 

114.  Their  men  of  war  we  much  abhor, 
And  dread  the  texts  they  bring, 
And  dread  to  run  like  Jesse's  son, 
To  meet  them  with  our  sling. 

Their  Christian  Advocate  and  Journal,  January  16, 
1829,  asks  M  Can  a  man  act  otherwise  than  God  knows  he 
will  ?"  and  answers  yes,  or  he  is  not  a  free  agent.  "  But 
will  he  act  differently  from  what  God  knows  he  will?"  and 
answers  "  no,  for  God's  knowledge  is  perfect."  These  an- 
swers are  correctly  given,  and  may  be  given  with  the  same 
propriety  respecting  divine  decrees.  Men  can  do  different- 
ly from  what  God  has  decreed,  because  they  are  all  free 
agents,  but  they  will  not  do  differently,  for  his  all-compre- 
hensive plan  is  perfect.  The  certainty  of  future  events  is  as 
absolute  and  unchangeable  on  their  scheme  as  it  is  on  the 
Calvinistic  scheme  ;  but  their  scheme  virtually  refers  this 
certainty  to  blind  fate  or  destiny,  while  Calvinism  refers  it 
to  an  infinitely  wise  and  benevolent  purpose  of  God,  who 
has  made  all  things  for  himself,  yea,  even  the  wicked  for 
the  day  of  evil.  On  their  scheme,  many  events  transpire 
to  which  we  should  in  no  sense  be  reconciled,  and  in  which 
the  hand  of  God  should  not  be  acknowledged  ;  events 
which,  all  things  considered,  he  and  his  holy  kingdom  will 
for  ever  regret.  But  Calvinism  holds  that  all  things  work 
together  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  highest  good  of  his 
people,  according  to  his  purpose. 

It  is  impossible  to  conceive  what  advantage  the  Metho- 
dists' scheme  can  have  respecting  human  freedom.  Let 
them  imagine  the  highest  degree  of  liberty  that  sinners  on 
probation  can  possibly  have,  and  Calvinism  will  a^Sord 
with  them  in  this  respect,  and  at  the  same  time  show  from 
scripture  and  reason  that  God  has  always  had  wisdom, 
power  and  benevolence  sufficient  to  concert  a  plan  that 
should  include  this  high  degree  of  freedom,  and  all  the  ac- 
tions which  will  ever  flow  from  it,  and  that  he  has  done 
this. 

There  is  no  difficulty  in  understanding  the  fact  that  God 
fore-ordained  whatPoevor  rometh  to  pn ss,     This  is  not   a 


KETHOD]  iii> 

115.  For  like  Goliah,  that  old  deii(.T; 
Our  Israel  they  defy, 
Like  him  they  stand,  with  sword  in  hand, 
But  will  not  like  him  die. 


secret  thing ;  it  is  revealed  and  belongs  to  us.  But  all  the 
difficulty  respecting  it  arises  from  a  presumptuous  attempt 
to  understand  what  lies  beyond  the  limits  of  our  mental 
powers.  We  do  not  know  how  God  could  make  moral 
agents,  nor  how  he  could  preserve  their  freedom  and  at  the 
same  time  determine  their  actions  ;  but  that  he  has  done 
both  is  sufficiently  obvious.  To  deny  it,  is  to  reply  against 
him  and  impeach  his  power  and  wisdom,  as  well  as  his  ve- 
racity, and  to  exhibit  his  government  as  in  a  confused  and 
gloomy  state. 

It  becomes  us  to  be  still  and  know  that  lie  is  God;  to 
give  him  the  credit  of  having  secured  by  his  unalterable 
plan  the  freedom  we  enjoy,  the  events  which  transpire 
through  human  agency,  the  connexion  between  means  and 
ends,  the  highest  good  of  his  kingdom,  and  to  bow  submis- 
sively to  his  preceptive  will,  remembering  that  it  is  a  part 
of  his  plan  that  each  one  shall  be  judged  according  to  the 
things  done  in  the  body.  Our  future  actions  and  conse- 
quent destination  are  known  only  to  God.  Were  his  pur- 
pose respecting  them  revealed  to  us,  it  would  not  be  a  rule 
for  our  conduct,  nor  any  excuse  for  sin  ;  it  would  leave  us 
as  free  to  act  as  we  could  be  if  no  divine  purpose  existed. 
It  was  the  duty  of  Pharaoh,  Peter,  and  Judas  Iscariot,  to 
act  directly  contrary  to  the  revealed  purpose  of  God  re- 
specting the  crimes  they  were  to  commit.  For  it  was  not 
only  his  purpose  that  they  should  commit  these  crimes,  but 
that  they  should  do  it  unreasonably,  inexcusably,  and 
through  the  abuse  of  their  free  agency  ;  and  at  a  time  when 
they  might  do  otherwise.  The  same  is  true  respecting  all  the 
sins  that  ever  have  been  or  ever  will  be  committed.  It  will 
appear  at  the  day  of  judgment  that  the  perpetrators  might 
have  done  otherwise,  and  that  it  was  the  purpose  of  God 
that  they  should  perform  these  particular  actions  while  they 
had  liberty  and  opportunity  to  avoid  them,  and  were  under 


W  THE    SflKJl 

116.  Our  cause  is  just,  and  fight  we  must. 

This  fact  they  ought  to  know  ; 
To  stand  aloof,  receive  reproof, 
And  not  return  the  blow. 

117.  'Tis  a  fine  sight  to  see  them  fight, 

And  each  his  brother  sting ; 
To  pierce  our  hearts  with  their  sharp  darts. 
Is  quite  another  thing. 

118.  Should  they  succeed  to  prove  their  creed, 

(The  thought  we  will  repel,) 
We  almost  know  that  we  must  go 
Down  to  the  gulf  of  hell. 

119.  If  we  should  die,  we  can't  comply 

With  what  they  all  adore  ; 
A  God  of  fate  we  can  but  hate, 
And  hate  for  ever  more. 

120.  33ut  though  their  scheme  makes  ours  a  dream. 

And  drives  us  to  despair, 
These  cruel  foes  will  still  oppose — 
Oppose  us  every  where. 

121.  For  all  they  do  to  prove  it  true, 

To  show  their  cause  is  good, 

Is  one  severe  and  glittering  spear, 

Aimed  at  our  soul's  life-blood. 


solemn  obligations  to  avoid  them.  To  say  that  he  could 
not  decree  things  in  this  way  is  virtually  to  say  that  fre 
<  annot  be  a  moral  governor. 


OF    M.ETIIODTSM.  3 

132.  Divine  decrees  destroy  our  peace, 
Like  very  frightful  omens  ; 
We  feel  a  wound  when  they  expound 
The  eighth  or  ninth  of  Romans. 

123.  Had  Paul  foreseen  how  much  we've  been 

Distressed  by  his  harsh  statements, 
He'd  not  have  used  words  so  abused, 
Or  added  some  abatements. 

124.  Dear  precious  man,  ice  don't  complain. 

Thy  meaning  we'll  unravel, 
But  we  lament  that  thou  hast  lent 
These  men  such  room  to  cavil. 


Verse  124. — The  Methodists  seem  unwilling  to  deny  the 
bible  directly,  but  they  are  determined  at  all  events  to  re- 
ject the  humiliating  doctrines  it  contains,  and  to  believe 
that  the  salvation  of  sinners  is  placed  in  their  own  hands. 
To  make  their  scheme  appear  consistent  with  divine  in- 
spiration, they  have  altered  the  meaning  of  almost  every 
term  that  relates  to  theology.  In  this  way  they  induce 
many  persons  to  believe  that  they  do  not  differ  widely  from 
Calvinistic  ministers.  They  talk  and  preach  about  depravi- 
ty ,  redemption,  grace,  holiness,  reperttance, faith,  justification, 
self-denial,  regeneration,  the  laic,  the  gospel,  the  divine  go- 
vernment, &c. ;  and  fervently  exhort  men  to  have  religion. 
But  the  meaning  they  give  to  all  these  terms,  the  charac- 
ter they  ascribe  to  God,  and  the  motives  they  urge  on 
men,  are  totally  wrong  :  but  it  is  by  perverting  the  mean- 
ing of  grace,  and  giving  a  stock  of  it  to  the  whole  human 
race,  that  they  attempt  to  unravel  what  St.  Paul  says 
about  salvation  being  of  grace  and  not  of  works.  Grace, 
which  he  uses  to  signify  unmerited  favour,  they  consider 
as  any  favour  shown  to  angels  or  men  ;  even  our  natural 
abilities  they  call  grace.  Hence  they  confound  the  dis- 
tinction which  Paul  makes  between  grace  and  works. 
faith,  which  ia  a  humble,  cordial  confidence  in  the 


Xto  liou  stun  • 

125.  We  should  not  fear  if  thou  werthere 

To  explain  what  thou  has  written, 
But  should  exult  with  great  tumult, 
To  see  our  foes  all  smitten, 

126.  But  when  they  claim  thy  lovely  name. 

And  quote  what  thou  didst  write, 
And  make  it  read  just  like  their  creed* 
We  hardly  dare  to  fight. 

127.  We  sometimes  feign  to  show  disdain. 

And  leave  them  in  the  field, 
But  while  we  hate  a  long  debate^ 
We  hate  to  seem  to  yield. 


truth,  faithfulness,  wisdom,  power,  and  mercy  of  God,  and 
always  implies  a  new  heart,  they  suppose  means  merely 
a  belief  that  we  shall  be  saved,  and  that  Christ  died  for  us 
in  particular ;  at  least  they  contend  that  such  a  belief  is 
true  faith,  and  that  after  a  person  has  got  it  he  will  love 
God.  They  endeavour  to  evade  the  reasoning  of  Paul 
{Rom.  ix.)  to  prove  particular  election  and  reproba- 
tion, by  applying  what  he  there  says  to  nations  exclusive- 
ly, and  for  this  purpose  refer  to  Jertmiah  xviii.  This 
evasion  serves  merely  to  confuse  the  minds  of  the  hearers. 
If  God  has  a  right  to  elect  and  reprobate  nations,  he  has 
a  right  to  elect  and  reprobate  individuals.  In  consequence 
of  his  thus  electing  the  Israelites,  millions  of  that  nation 
received  everfctsting  salvation,  while  the  descendants  of 
Esau  were  left  to  perish.  But  the  Apostle  adduced  this 
circumstance,  and  the  case  of  Pharaoh,  to  show  that  God 
lias  a  right  to  use  sinners  as  a  potter  does  a  lump  of  clay, 
to  make  some  vessels  to  honour  and  some  to  dishonour. 
His  argument  is,  that  salvation  is  wholly  of  grace.  From 
the  nature  of  grace  it  follows  that  God  may  withhold  or 
bestow  it  as  he  pleases ;  and  that  for  doing  this  he  is  ac- 
countable to  none,  and  that  none  have  a  rigfet  to  com- 
plain 


OF    METHdDIrOI.  W 

128.  We  greatly  fear  that  such  as  hear 

Will  think  our  cause  is  weak, 
Hence  with  a  sigh  we  thus  reply, 
And  answer  those  who  speak  : 

129.  "  You  must  admit  God  does  what's  fit, 

His  meaning  then  infer  ; 
Besides,  we  read,  things  not  decreed 
Are  called  as  though  they  were." 

130.  What  can  we  say  about  the  clay 

Held  in  the  potter's  hand  ? 
"  It  is  most  rational  to  make  it  national  :" 
This  brings  them  to  a  stand. 

131.  What  makes  it  sure  the  church  '11  endure, 

And  all  the  prophecies  ; 
Heathens  and  Jews  the  Saviour  choose, 
God's  holy  kingdom  rise  ? 

132.  When  brought  to  this,  we  will  dismiss 

This  sad  interrogation ; 
And  ask  them  why  they  would  deny 
The  freeness  of  salvation  ? 

133.  Or  make  the  Lord  deny  his  word, 

And  partial  in  his  ways, 
By  saying  he  sets  some  men  free. 
To  others  gives  no  grace  ? 


Verse  129. — Rom.  iv.  17.  This  passage,  which  asserts 
that  God  could  speak  of  things  not  yet  existing,  as  if  they 
actually  existed,  since  he  had  immutably  decreed  their 
existence,  the  Methodists  explain  in  such  a  way  as  to  im- 
"»e*eh  his  veracitr 


40  CHE    fcl'lKli 

134.  That  some  he  hates  and  reprobates, 

And  leaves  them  to  the  curse, 
And  does  presume  to  fix  our  doom 
Without  consulting  us  ? 

135.  O  !  'tis  intrusive — most  abusive  ! 

'Tis  an  abomination  ! 
We'd  sooner  view  such  texts  untrue, 
Than  hold  to  reprobation. 


Verse  135. — The  feelings  of  the  Methodists  are  express- 
ed in  a  sermon  published  by  John  Wesley,  now  tract  No. 
35,  entitled  Free  Grace.  Speaking  of  God's  electing  love, 
by  which  some  were  chosen  in  Christ  before  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  rest,  he  says — 
"  This  doctrine  represents  our  blessed  Lord,  Jesus  Christ, 
the  righteous  and  only  begotten  Son  of  the  Father,  full  of 
grace  and  truth,  as  an  hypocrite,  a  deceiver  of  the  people,  a 
man  void  of  common  sincerity ;  for  it  cannot  be  denied 
that  he  every  where  speaks  as  if  he  was  willing  that  all 
men  should  be  saved.  To  say,  therefore,  that  he  did  not 
intend  to  save  all  sinners,  is  to  represent  him  as  a  gross  de- 
ceiver of  the  people.  If  you  say  lie  calls  those  who  cannot 
come,  those  whom  he  knows  to  be  unable  to  come,  those 
wThom  he  can  make  able  to  come  but  will  not,  how  is  it 
possible  to  describe  greater  insincerity  ?  You  represent 
him  as  mocking  his^elpless  creatures  by  offering  what  he 
never  intends  to  give." 

Mr.  Wesley  totally  confounds  the  distinction  between 
natural  and  moral  ability.  Caivinists  contend  that  sinners 
are  able  to  comply  with  Christ's  invitation,  inasmuch  as 
they  have  all  the  natural  abilities  that  are  necessary,  bat 
will  not  come  unless  he  makes  them  willing ;  and  that  he 
is  not  obliged  to  make  any  willing,  but  that  he  is  gracious- 
ly pleased  to  subdue  he  will  of  some,  and  leave  others  to 
their  own  chosen  way. 

Mr.  Wesley  proceeds  and  says,  "  The  doctrine  of  predes- 
tination represents  the  most  holy  God  as  worse  Uian  tire 


•  i      &ETHODISM.  41 

136.  As  if  a  man  should  grab  a  hen, 
And  hold  her  by  the  neck, 
And  bid  her  choose,  or  life  refuse, 
So  wring  it  till  it  break. 


devil !  As  both  more  false,  more  cruel,  and  more  unjust. 
More  false,  because  the  devil,  liar  as  he  is,  hath  never  said 
he  willeth  all  men  to  be  saved  :  more  unjust,  because  the 
devil  cannot  if  he  would  be  guilty  of  such  injustice  as  you 
ascribe  to  God,  when  you  say  that  he  condemned  millions 
of  souls  to  everlasting  fro  for  continuing  in  sin,  which  for 
the  want  of  that  grace  he  will  not  give  them,  they  cannot 
avoid  ;  and  more  cruel  because  that  unhappy  spirit  seeketh 
rest  and  findeth  none  ;  so  that  his  own  restless  misery  is  a 
ki  d  of  temptation  to  him  to  tempt  others.  But  God  rest- 
eth  in  his  high  and  holy  place  ;  so  that  to  suppose  he,  of  his 
own  mere  motion,  of  his  pure  will  and  pleasure,  happy  as 
he  is.  dooms  his  creatures  whether  they  will  or  no,  to  end- 
less misery,  is  to  impute  such  cruelty  to  him  as  we  cannot 
impute  to  the  great  enemy  of  God  and  man ;  it  is  to  repre- 
sent the  most  high  God  as  more  cruel,  false,  and  unjust 
than  the  devil.  This  is  the  blasphemy  clearly  contained 
in  the  horrible  decree  of  predestination.  But  you  say  you 
will  prove  it  by  scripture.  Hold — what  will  you  prove  by 
scripture  ?  That  God  is  worse  than  the  devil  *  Do  you  ask 
what  is  its  meaning  then  .?  Better  it  were  to  say  it  had  no 
meaning  at  all,  than  to  say  it  had  such  a  sense  as  this; 
whatever  it  prove  beside,  no  scripture  can  prove  predesti- 
nation." 

Mr.  Wesley  pursues  this  kind  of  rant,  taking  it  for  grant- 
ed that  God  has  no  more  right  to  dispose  of  his  creatures 
than  the  devil  has;  that  the  Sovereign  of  the  universe  has 
no  more  right  to  send  sinners  to  hell,  while  he  has  power 
to  save  them,  than  the  devil  has  to  lead  them  there.  The 
ninti  chapter  of  Romans  is  a  direct  refutation  of  this  im- 
pious tract.  According  to  the  reasoning  of  Mr.  Wesley, 
God  is  the  greatest  murderer  in  the  universe  For  while 
common  assassins  murder  a  few  of  their  fellow  creatures, 
and  Satan,  who  is  a  murderer  from  the  beginning,  has 
1 


454 


THE    SPIRIT 


137.  We'll  shift  the  ground,  and  so  confound 

What  we  cannot  endure ; 
And  thus  perplex  those  who  would  vex 
These  hearts  of  ours  so  pure. 

138.  We'll  prove  the  call  is  made  to  all, 

With  arguments  complete  ; 
Then  quote,  and  quote  what  prophets  wrote, 
So  cover  our  retreat. 

139.  But  if  we  meet  with  a  defeat 

Where  we  cannot  recede, 
We'll  then  reply  with  irony, 
"  So  all  things  are  decreed. 

140.  "  Since  this  is  true,  then  we  may  do 

At  all  times  as  we  please ; 
You  cannot  blame  our  creed  or  aim, 
While  we  fulfil  decrees. 

141.  "  If  you  are  right,  you  should  delight 

To  see  our  cause  prevail ; 
Do  what  we  will,  we  shall  fulfil 
God's  plan,  which  cannot  fail. 


killed  thousands  of  human  beings,  God,  who  has  the  keys 
of  death,  has  swept  away  whole  generations,  and  put  an 
inconceivable  number  even  of  helpless  infants  to  a  tortur- 
ing death.  Therefore,  according  to  Mr.  Wesley,  God  is  a 
greater  murderer  than  the  devil. 

u  Nay,  but,  O  man  !  who  art  thou,  that  repliest  against 
God  !  Shall  the  thing  formed  say  to  him  that  formed  it, 
why  hast  thou  made  me  thus?  Hath  not  the  potter  power 
over  the  clay,  of  the  same  lump  to  form  one  vessel  to  honour 
and  another  to  dishonour  M 


OF   MBTHODISX.  43 

142.  "  Thus  we  are  strong,  cannot  be  wrong, 

1  With  two  strings  to  our  bow  ;' 
If  our  cause  dies,  then  yours  will  rise, 
And  catch  us  from  below. " 

143.  This  smart  retort,  our  last  resort. 

Sustains  our  noble  cause  ; 
The  crowd  around  repeat  the  sound, 
Expressing  great  applause. 

144.  We  will  not  lie,  but  we  will  try 

Their  preachers  to  molest  ; 
Tarnish  their  name,  destroy  their  fame, 
And  try  to  catch  the  rest. 

145.  'Tis  not  quite  plain  they  can  ordain. 

But  we'll  our  candour  show, 
Ana  stop  once  more,  give  them  the  oar, 
And  see  how  they  will  row. 

146.  Attention  all,  both  great  and  small, 

Their  speakers  take  their  flight, 
Their  little  bark  scuds  like  a  shark, 
They'll  soon  be  out  of  sight. 

PRESBYTERIAN    ORDINATION    DEFENDED. 

147.  "  The  ministry,  we  all  agree, 

Has  a  successive  course  ; 
Ours,  we  contend,  does  not  depend 
Upon  a  papal  source. 


Verse  147. — There  certainly  have  been,  in  every  age. 
since  the  days  of  inspiration,  some  pious  persons  opposed 
to  such  as  would  M  be  lords  over  God's  heritage."  Through 
them,  it  is  believed.  Presbyterian  ordination  has  been  unm- 


H  iriE    SPIRIT 

148.  "Nor  need  we  trace,  through  that  disgrace. 

The  right  of  consecration  ; 
There  was  a  seed  for  ever  freed 
From  that  abomination. 

149.  "The  mystery  of  papistry 

Was  like  a  smother'd  flame  ; 
It  rose  at  first  from  sordid  lust, 
To  get  the  greatest  name. 

terruptedly  transmitted  to  the  present  day  :  but  this  circum- 
stance is  not  essential  to  the  validity  of  the  ordinance. 
The  Church  of  England  renounced  the  Pope  in  1534,  and 
were  excommunicated  by  him  ;  but  their  clergy  consider- 
ed the  ordination  he  had  conferred  on  them  as  valid.  With 
more  consistency  such  Congregationalists  and  Presbyte- 
rians as  were  ordained  by  bishops  might  reject  their  episco- 
pal authority  as  uns  :riptural,  and  still  admit  that  they  had 
a  right  to  ordain  as  Presbyters.  Indeed,  the  Church  of 
England  themselves,  considered  at  first,  and  many  of  their 
eminent  writers  have  always  considered,  the  episcopal  au- 
thority as  a  civil  appendage,  a  mere  human  contrivance. 
Thus,  an  act  of  parliament  passed  in  the  reign  of  Henry 
VIII.  says,  "  Archbishops,  Bishops,  Archdeacons,  and  all 
other  ecclesiastical  officers,  have  no  manner  of  jurisdiction 
ecclesiastical,  but  by,  under,  and  from  his  Royal  Majesty. w 
Bishop  Bancroft  was  the  first  who  put  in  a  claim  to  a  di- 
vine right.  This  excited  great  agitation.  Many  Episco- 
palians considered  it  impious  *o  p  ret  and  that  Christ  had 
invested  Bishops  with  that  superiority  to  Presbyters  vtbich 
had  been  granted  merely  to  subserve  the  cause  of  royalty  ; 
but  other  Bishops  gradually  adopted  and  advocated  the 
theory  which  seemed  so  favourable  to  their  reputation. 
Many  will  believe  what  great  men  confidently  assert. 
Hence,  though  episcopacy  lias  no  support  in  the  gospel, 
and  though  it  is  known  that  it  was  adopted  at  first,  mere- 
ly as  an  expediency,  yet  many  really  believe  that  it  came 
from  Heaven,  and  has  been  preserv"!  and  transmitted  by 
the  Papal  Church  ' 


Mi     KETHODISM.  45 

150.  %i  This  pride  possest  the  apostles'  breast, 

Exciting  emulation  ; 
Then  they  inquired  whom  Christ  desired 
Should  hold  the  first  gradation. 

151.  "  (To  give  the  sense  the  present  tense, 

Their  question  seems  to  bear  ;) 
1  Pray,  Master,  do  inform  us  who 
Shall  have  the  Bishop's  chair.'* 

152.  "  Jesus  replied,  and  checked  their  pride, 

Corrected  their  false  notion  ; 
Told  them  he  meant  none  whom  he  sent 
Should  ever  seek  promotion. 

153.  "  Humility  forms  one  degree, 

By  which  they  may  be  noted  ; 
But  he  provides  no  way  besides 
For  them  to  be  promoted. 

154.  "Twelve  he  ordained,  their  work  explained, 

Commissioned  them  at  large  ; 

To  show  that  they  had  equal  sway, 

He  gave  them  all  one  charge. 

155.  "  This  will  descend  till  time  shall  end — 

But  they  were  also  fitted 
To  do  his  will,  with  special  skill, 
That  never  was  transmitted. 

156.  "  None  now  can  claim  the  apostle's  name, 

Though  some  would  think  much  of  it ; 
For  when  released  their  office  ceased, 
As  did  that  of  a  prophet. 

Matihm  xviii.  1.  and  Luke  xxii.  24,  25. 


16  rur  spirit 

157.  "All  Bishops  then,  were  humble  men. 

Who  sacred  office  bore  ; 
Elders,  as  peers,  were  overseers — 
A  Bishop  meant  no  more. 

158.  "  The  word  was  used,  when  not  abused, 

For  any  settled  pastor  ; 
At  length  it  meant,  by  vile  consent, 
A  high  assuming  master. 

159.  "  All  presbyters,  or  ministers, 

Sustained  an  equal  state, 
Till  they  began  to  mend  God's  plan, 
And  made  the  Episcopate. 

160.  "  A  few,  at  first,  received  a  trust, 

In  deference  to  their  age — 
An  undue  share  of  pastoral  care, 
That  raised  them  on  the  stage. 

161.  "  This  courtesy  made  one  degree 

Toward  that  ambitious  height, 
Which  few  disdained,  and  some  obtained. 
Then  claimed  it  as  a  right. 

162.  "  With  pride  inspired,  and  much  admired, 

Because  they  held  this  grade, 
They  would  despise  the  humble  crie^ 
Of  brethren  in  the  shade. 


Verse  160.  — Mosheim  says,  that  "  In  the  first  century, 
the  rulers  of  the  church  were  called  either  Presbyters  or 
Bibhops,  which  two  titles  are  in  the  New  Testament,  un- 
doubtedly, ipplied  to  the  same  order  of  men."  But  at 
length  these  titles  were  differently  applied.     A  Bishop  was 


"I     M  E  I  HODISM.  I 

163.  "Tiicv'd  say  'tis  plain,  none  can  ordain 

Men  far  above  their  heads  ; 
This  right  of  course,  to  have  due  force, 
Belongs  to  one  that  leads. 

164.  "  Such  plebeians  may  both  preach  and  pray. 

As  shall  be  moved  by  grace  ; 
To  rule  and  reign,  confirm,  ordain, 
Require  a  Bishop's  place. 

165.  "  For  many  years,  this  caused  no  fears, 

Excited  no  alarm  ; 
For  this  high  post  was  threatened  most, 
And  most  exposed  to  harm. 

166.  "  A  higher  grade  having  been  made 

Than  Christ  saw  fit  to  own, 
Prepared  the  way,  a  later  day, 
To  raise  the  papal  throne. 

167.  "  Thus  when  men  take,  by  some  mistake. 

A  slightly  devious  way, 
They  wander  more  as  they  explore, 
And  wander  far  astray. 

168.  "  As  yet,  the  Pope  had  little  scope, 

He  only  could  preside. 
For  he  still  met  the  imperial  let, 
Which  bounded  all  his  pride. 

acknowledged  to  be  superior  to  a  Presbyter,  M  by  custom,'* 
as  Jerome  says,  "  rather  than  by  any  real  appointment  of 
the  Lord.1' 

Verse  168. — 2   Thessalonians  ii.  7.     "  For  the  mystery 
of  iniquity  doth  already  work  ;  only  he  who  now  letteth 


48  hie  spirit 

169.  "  At  length  the  dome  ef  civil  Route, 

In  sad  prostration  lay- 
When  Capsar  fell,  the  pope  could  swell. 
The  let  was  moved  away. 

170.  "  Then  was  the  time,  when  in  his  prime 

This  man  of  sin  arose, 
Like  a  black  cloud,  the  Heavens  to  shroud. 
And  fill  the  world  with  woes. 

171/  "  From  age  to  age  he  showed  his  rage, 
Slighting  the  written  word  ; 
Maintained  his  cause  by  his  own  laws. 
Enforced  by  fire  and  sword. 

172.  "  While  rolling  in  the  filth  of  sin, 

Drunk  with  the  martyrs'  blood,* 
Millions  fell  down  before  his  throne. 
Adoring  him  as  God. 

173.  "Nevertheless  the  wilderness 

Contained  a  hiding  place, 
Where  some  retired,  by  truth  inspired, 
Hid  from  the  serpent's  face. 


will  let  till  he  be  taken  out  of  the  way,  and  then  shall  that 
Wicked  be  revealed,  whose  coming  is  after  the  working  of 
Satan,  with  all  power,  and  signs,  and  lying  wonders."  This 
let  or  hinderance  was  the  imperial  government  of  Rome ; 
when  it  was  taken  out  of  the  way,  the  papal  hierarchy 
arose. 

*  Revelations  xvii.  6. — Drunken  with  the  blood  of  the 
saints  and  martyrs  of  Jesus. 

Verso  173. — Revelations  xii.  14.  "  To  the  woman  were 
given  two  wings  of  a  great  eagle,  that  she  might  tiy  into 
the  wilderness,   where  she  is  nourished  for  a  time,  and 


OF    METHODISM.  49 

174.  "  Here  they  were  fed,  though  numbers  bled, 

And  still  retained  their  station ; 
Their  sacred  fire  did  not  expire 
Until  the  reformation. 

175.  "  Then  Luther  rose  and  met  their  foes, 

And  lit  the  extinguished  lamp  ; 
Dispelled  the  night  by  pouring  light 
Upon  the  papal  camp. 

176.  "  He  gave  the  alarm,  and  broke  the  charm 

That  bound  the  Christian  world  ; 
Through  many  regions  the  papal  legions 
From  their  high  seats  were  hurl'd. 

177.  "  The  work  extended,  and  never  ended, 

Removing  moral  gloom  ; 
The  angel  flies,  amidst  the  skies 
Proclaims  the  papal  doom. 

17S.  "  The  two-horned  beast  has  much  decreased. 
He  groans  with  mortal  pains  ; 
His  tongue  he  gnaws,*  he  shows  his  claws, 
While  he  is  held  in  chains. 

179.  "  But  many  fly  from  papistry 
As  not  to  be  endured, 


times,  and  half  a  time,  from  the  face  of  the  serpent ;"  that 
is,  1260  years. 

Verse  177. — Revelations  xiv.  9.  The  third  angel  flying 
through  the  midst  of  Heaven,  preaching  the  everlasting 
gospel,  proclaiming  an  awful  curse  on  all  who  adhere  to 
the  papal  beast,  evidently  marks  the  reformation  which 
was  commenced  by  Martin  Luther,  A.  D.  1517. 

*  Revelations  xvi.  10.  "  They  gnawed  their  tongues  for 
pain." 


50  THE    SP1KJ1 

Who  still  retain  a  papal  stain. 
To  papal  rites  inured. 

180.  "  They  would  not  dare  to  tell  you  where 

The  papal  power  began  ; 
Above  ?  below  ?  they  do  not  know. 
From  Heaven  or  from  man  ? 

181.  "  Here  they  must  pause,  to  serve  their  cause. 

Their  right  to  separate, 
And  to  maintain  none  can  ordain 
Except  the  Episcopate. 

182.  "  Our  scheme  disclaims  the  forms  and  names 

Of  aristocracy, 
For  our  church  plan  has  always  been 
A  pure  democracy. 

183.  "  Our  pastors  stand  by  God's  command. 

That  they  their  flocks  may  feed  : 
But  they  are  free  from  prelacy, 
None  can  assume  the  lead — 

184.  "  Except  our  head,  who  once  was  dead. 

But  lives  to  die  no  more  ; 
He  is  our  king,  his  praises  sing, 
His  name  let  all  adore. 

185.  "  This  is  the  plan  called  puritan, 

Which  our  forefathers  chose  ; 
For  this  some  bled,  and  others  fled 
For  refuge  from  their  foes. 

Verse  180. — Matthew  xxi.  25.     The  baptism  of  John, 
whence  was  it  ?  From  Heaven  or  of  men .? 

Verse    185. — Under   Elizabeth,   Queen   of  England,  a 


1     METHODISM.  51 

186,  "  In  this  new  world  they  first  unfurPd 

The  banners  of  their  God  ; 
And  here  they  found,  on  desert  ground, 
A  permanent  abode. 

1 87.  "  Here  they  found  rest,  here  they've  been  blest. 

And  to  a  nation  grown  ; 
Their  liberal  views,  which  we  diffuse. 
Our  civil  rulers  own. 


court  of  high  commission  was  appointed  to  try  heretics,  or 
those  who  would  not  conform  to  the  Episcopal  church  ;  ex- 
act conformity  was  required  on  severe  penalties  :  multitudes 
were  persecuted.  In  1602,-  a  revival  of  religion  occurred 
in  several  counties  :  the  subjects  were  desirous  of  living  ac- 
cording to  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel.  They  were  watch- 
ed by  officers,  obliged  to  fly  from  place  to  place  ;  they  were 
deprived  of  the  means  of  support,  and  many  of  them  im- 
prisoned. Hence  the  church  under  Rev.  R.  Clifton,  who 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  John  Robinson,  concluded  to  emi- 
grate to  Holland,  that  they  might  there  worship  God  ac- 
cording to  the  dictates  of  their  conscience.  But  the  same 
Episcopal  power  that  persecuted  them  refused  to  let  them 
go.  Every  harbour  and  vessel  was  barred  against  them. 
At  length,  after  innumerable  embarrassments,  they  found 
the  means  of  eluding  the  vigilance  of  their  enemies,  and 
obtained  a  temporary  asylum  among  strangers.  But  such 
were  the  difficulties  attending  them  in  Holland,  that  they 
concluded,  after  much  deliberation  and  prayer,  to  embark 
for  America,  which  had  been  discovered  about  a  hundred 
years  before.  After  spending  a  day  in  fasting  and  prayer, 
thit  pious  company,  consisting  of  a  hundred  and  one  per- 
sons, bid  adieu  to  the  old  world,  committing  themselves  to 
the  care  of  Providence,  sailed  for  this  country,  and  arri- 
ved at  Cape  Cod  Nov.  22,  1620,  and  commenced  the  set- 
tlement of  New-England. 


M  THE    briKIT 

188.  "  All  regal  power  we  both  abhor, 

And  it  must  cause  surprise, 

A  regal  creed  should  ever  breed 

Under  these  western  skies. 

189.  "  By  creeds  unarmed,  we're  not  alarmed, 

We  hope  no  more  to  flee  ; 

We  shall  be  blest,  enjoying  rest, 

While  government  is  free. 

190.  "  Hence  without  fear,  we'll  persevere 

In  spreading  truth  abroad  ; 
Whatever  way  others  may  stray, 
We'll  rest  our  cause  in  God." 

THE    SARCASTIC    REMARKS    OF    THE    METHODISTS. 

191.  Their  speech  is  ended,  their  cause  defended. 

They've  made  a  fine  oration, 
They've  chained  the  pope,  outstript  Europe, 
By  circumnavigation. 

192.  But  doubtless  they  forgot  to  say 

Their  fathers  had  their  fetches, 
And  stained  their  cause  by  their  blue  laws, 
Hung  Quakers  and  the  witches. 


Verse  192. — It  is  admitted  that  the  fathers  of  New-Eng- 
land partook,  in  some  measure,  of  the  bigotry  and  super- 
stition of  the  age  in  which  they  lived.  But  this  circum- 
stance does  not  affect  the  religious  truths  which  they  de- 
fended and  transmitted  to  their  posterity.  It  does  not  fol- 
low because  they  had  errors,  that  they  were  wrong  in  every 
thing,  nor  that  those  who  imitate  their  piety  are  chargea- 
ble with  their  feelings.  Noah,  the  father  of  the  human 
race,  was  once  intoxicated  ;  would  it  not  be  unreasonable 


op  METiioBifM.  53 

193.  Or  did  they  fear  the  dead  would  hear. 

And  make  them  sons  of  Ham  ; 
So  turn  their  hacks,  lest  they  be  blacks, 
To  hide  their  father's  shame  ? 

194.  We  will  admit  they're  n«  t  black  yet, 

As  it  respects  their  skin  ; 
We  should  be  glad  if  we  could  add 
That  they're  not  black  within. 

195.  Their  bubble's  burst,  their  work  is  curst, 

Their  Babel  left  undone  ; 
Now  they  can  spare  the  vital  air, 
And  let  us  see  the  sun. 

196.  They  cannot  rise,  hence  they  despise 

And  hate  coercive  power; 
These  grapes  on  high  above  them  lie, 
Therefore  they  call  them  sour. 

197.  But  how  shall  we  make  all  men  see 

The  birthright  now  is  ours  ; 
That  a  new  law  makes  them  Esau, 
And  gives  us  all  the  powers. 

to  treat  his  whole  character  and  services  with  contempt, 
or  to  fharcre  his  crime  as  a  disparagement  on  those  exclu- 
sively who  imitate  his  piety  3  Equally  unreasonable  and 
abusive  is  it,  for  other  denominations  to  reproach  the  Con- 
gregationalists  of  New-England  with  the  failings  of  our 
common  parents.  Their  failings  have  been  greatly  exag- 
gerated :  th^  peculiar  circumstances  in  which  they  were 
placed  tend  to  palliate  their  conduct,  if  not  to  justify  it. 
No  cotempornry  denomination  were  so  f»ee  from  impro- 
prieties. It  is  owing  to  the  religious  liberty  which  the  pu- 
ritans obtained  in  England,  and  established  in   America, 


M  i  in;  SPIRIT 

198.  Our  name  denotes,  our  scheme  promotes 

A  fixed  Episcopate  ; 
But  this  alas  !  we  must  let  pass, 
Remembering  our  weak  state. 

199.  The  world  will  know,  that  long  ago 

Our  Bishops  sprung  to  light, 
Without  a  mother,  father,  or  brother, 
But  not  without  a  right. 

200.  We  know  'twas  fit  he  should  transmit 

The  right  of  ordination  ; 
This  power  arose,  and  cannot  close, 
But  with  our  dispensation. 

201.  But  still  we  fear,  that  should  we  sneer 

At  their  lay  ministration, 
The  worldly  wise  would  soon  despise 
Our  mode  of  consecration. 


at  the  price  of  their  blood,  that  the  Methodists  have  always 
been  exempted  from  persecution. 

Verse  199. — The  Methodists  deny  Presbyterian  ordina- 
tion, and  advocate  Episcopacy.  Hence,  according  to  their 
own  sentiments,  their  preachers  are  not  legally  ordained ; 
for  Mr,  Wesley,  who  undertook  to  make  bishops,lwas  mere- 
ly a  presbyter,  having  never  received  ordination  as  a  bish- 
op". But  their  preachers,  when  constituted  through  this 
self-created  power,  claim  a  divine  right  to  act  in  ecclesias- 
tical matters,  above  all  human  control.  They  form  an 
aristocratical  hierarchy,  as  absolute  as  popery.  Their 
churches  have  no  voice  in  admitting,  disciplining,  or  exclu- 
ding members,  nor  respecting  what  preaching  or  preach- 
ers they  are  lo  have  from  time  to  tune.  Their  preachers 
oblige  them  to  submit  silently  to  their  dictates,  on  pain  of 
excommunication. 


OF   METHODISM.  *)0 

30&  Therefore  'tis  best  to  let  this  rest. 
For  'tis  a  mere  digression  ; 
Since  we  are  lame,  we  will  not  blame 
The  mode  of  their  succession. 

&203.  We  know  too  well  that  they  excel 
In  human  erudition  ; 
We  farther  know  that  we  can  go 
Beyond  them  in  ambition. 

204.  Gliding  around,  we  catch  the  sound 

Of  every  breath  of  fame  ; 
While  in  the  dark  we  see  our  mark, 
And  cannot  miss  our  aim. 

205.  We  will  just  tell,  what  once  befell 

One  of  our  fellow  creatures, 
Who  was  decoyed  and  then  destroyed, 
By  hearkening  to  these  preachers. 

206.  Some  time  ago — we  do  not  know 

The  name,  the  place,  nor  date — 
A  woman  heard,  and  then  she  feared 
That  some  were  reprobate  ; 

Verse  206. — The  Christian  Advocate  and  Journal,  a 
Methodist  paper,  has  this  quotation,  under  the  head  of  Sa- 
tan's devices*  from  a  sermon  delivered  by  one  of  their  preach- 
ers. "  A  certain  woman  of  my  acquaintance,  informed  me* 
that  she  knew  a  woman,  who,  after  hearing-  the  doctrines 
of  electing  love,  distinguishing  grace,  and  reprobate  wrath, 
drew  this  awful  conclusion  :  perhaps  lam  not  one  of  the 
elect — if  so,  I  may  as  well  know  the  worst  of  my  case — 
and,  in  the  moment  of  temptation,  put  an  end  to  her  earthly 
existence  by  hanging  herself."  The  editors  say  this  is  too 
valuable  to  be  wasted  on  the  desert  air.     As  their  object 


56 


THE    SP1K11 


207.  She  feared  that  she,  by  some  decree, 

Was  doomed  to  endless  death  ; 
Then  took  a  rope,  gave  up  all  hope, 
And  stopt  her  vital  breath. 

208.  This  plainly  shows  that  death,  and  woes, 

And  everlasting  pain, 
At  once  take  sides  with  these  blind  guides, 
And  follow  in  their  train. 

209.  At  least,  we'll  say  they  preach  for  pay, 

And  while  they  preach  are  dead  ; 
They  write  and  read,  but  do  not  feed 
The  hungry  soul  with  bread. 


is  to  prove  that  Calvinistic  preaching  may  sometimes  bi 
ttie  occasion  of  suicide,  they  might  have  recorded  an  in- 
stance more  to  the  point.  It  was  that  of  a  man  abou; 
eighteen  hundred  years  ajro,  who  had  heen  accustomed  to 
hear  what  is  now  called  Calvinistic  preaching.  Within  & 
few  hours  after  hearing  a  pointed  discourse  on  reprobation,, 
he  went  away  and  hanged  himself. 

Verse  208. — This  is  the  spirit,  and  almost  precisely  the 
language,  Methodist  preachers  use,  in  every  town,  parish, 
and  corner  of  a  parish,  where  they  can  get  access.  It  is 
true  that  the  editors  of  their  periodicals  seek  to  render  Me- 
thodism respectable  in  view  of  the  literary  world  ;  and  for 
this  purpose  say  many  flattering  things,  talk  about  charity 
and  candour,  and  intimate  that  it  is  desirable  that  Presby- 
terians should  keep  their  ranks,  and  fight  against  the  com- 
mon en.  my  under  their  own  colours.  But  actions  speak 
louder  than  words.  If  a  long-continued  system.)  tic  course 
of  conduct  proves  any  thing,  it  proves  that  Methodists 
adopt  every  possible  device  and  measure  to  divide,  scatter, 
proselyte  the  Calvinists,  and  to  exterminate  all  their  insti- 
tutions. 


OF   MBTHODU  H 

210.  Can  those  who  hear  pay  by  the  year, 

And  pay  by  such  constraint, 
Such  a  great  tax  laid  on  their  backs, 
And  utter  no  complaint  ? 

211.  If  they  should  seem  to  feel  this  theme, 

To  think  they're  growing  poor, 
Then  we'll  conceal,  or  not  reveal, 
The  burdens  we  endure. 

212.  We  all  must  give,  if  we  would  live, 

Children  among  the  rest, 
And  always  pay  on  quarter-day, 
As  each  one  is  assest, 

213.  Our  books,  though  high,  we  all  must  buy, 

And  that  there  be  no  losses, 
We  jnust  afford  to  give  the  board 
Of  preachers  and  their  horses. 

214.  No  other  sect  such  sums  collect, 

Such  heavy  taxes  pay  ; 
But  this  we  do  for  what  is  true, 
And  do  in  our  own  way. 

215.  What  each  one  pays,  will  go  to  raise 

Some  faithful  circuit  preacher, 
Or  to  protect  our  loving  sect, 
And  make  us  all  the  richer. 

216.  These  men  will  see  how  this  can  be, 

If  they  will  take  our  side, 
They'll  pay,  somehow,  much  more  than  now. 
And  still  be  satisfied. 


217.  Our  plan  we've  laid,  to  get  their  aid, 
To  draw  them  to  our  ground, 
Then  hold  them  fast,  from  first  to  last, 
When  once  we  have  them  bound. 


Verse  217. — It  is  admitted  that  there  are  some  preechers 
and  writers,  iu  populous  cities,  and  other  individuals  con- 
nected with  the  Methodists,  who  do  not  descend  to  such 
meanness  as  is  here  attributed  Lo  the  denomination.  They 
regard  the  rules  of  propriety,  and  would  wish  to  promote 
good  order,  but  they  seem  blind  to  the  irregularities  of 
their  brethren,  and  to  the  corrupting  tendency  of  their 
scheme.  When  an  attempt  is  made  to  expose  the  evil, 
they  are  induced  to  think  it  slanderous,  and  still  advocate 
the  cause.  Their  influence,  and  the  circumstance  that  they 
have  reclaimed  some  of  the  openly  vicious,  tend  to  conceal 
the  abominations  of  Methodism,  and  give  it  a  false  splen- 
dour. Some  of  the  orthodox  encourage  it,  from  a  belief  that 
it  will  counteract  the  common  enemies — intemperance, 
profaneness,  Unitarianism,  Uui versa lism,  and  Deism.  But 
such  as  will  take  the  trouble  to  trace  moral  effects  to  their 
causes,  may  see  that  the  Methodists  occasion  an  increase 
of  these  evils,  and  seek  to  wrest  from  us  the  only  weapons 
by  which  these  heresies  can  be  effectually  opposed. 

The  ways  of  the  Methodists  are  moveable.  But  they 
are  pretty  uniform  as  to  their  method  of  alluring  such  as 
have  itching  ears.  They  give  previous  notice  that  some- 
thing extraordinary  is  to  be  expected  at  their  meetings--a 
new  preacher — a  powerful  sermon — a  farewell  sermon  — 
the  possibility  of  falling  from  grace  to  be  proved — Metho- 
dism inside  and  out,  to  be  preached,  &c.  Individuals  ait) 
invited  to  attend,  and  sometimes  urged  to  bind  themselvos 
by  a  promise,  and  their  promise  used  as  an  inducement  1;o 
others.  When  thus  drawn  away  from  ihe  regular  ai  id 
stated  means  of  grace,  an  attempt  is  made  by  sophistr  y, 
witticism,  and  misrepresentation,  to  prejudice  their  nnn<  ds 
against  the  sacred  institutions  winch  havo  been  defend*  3d 
and  handed  down  to  us  by  our  fathers,  against  the  humblr  ag 
doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  all  who  preach  them.     T  'he 


. 


OF    MLTilODIS.M.  .)!' 

18.  We'll  make  themthink  their  name  would  sink. 
It' they  should  ever  leave  ; 
That  to  grieve  us  would  bring  a  curse, 
From  which  there's  no  reprieve. 


219.  While  they  are  true  we'll  be  so  too, 
And  they'll  have  nought  to  fear  ; 
But  O  !  the  woes  that  we'll  impose, 
Unless  they  persevere. 


young  and  inexperienced  are  thus  deceived  and  perverted. 
Their  serious  impressions,  if  they  had  any,  are  erased  or 
made  the  occasion  of  ensnaring  them.  Such  as  do  not 
admit  Methodism,  are  imperceptibly  contaminated  by 
breathing  its  atmosphere;  while  they  suppose  they  are 
merely  gratifying  their  curiosity,  they  inhale  the  poison. 
If  regardless  of  religion  before,  they  are  rendered  more 
light  and  giddy.  On  seeing  a  drove  of  youths  returning 
from  a  Methodists'  meeting,  one  might  suppose  from  their 
appearance  and  conduct,  that  they  were  just  let  loose  from 
a  licentious  theatre. 

A  great  part  of  those  who  are  wrought  up  to  an  ecstasy 
of  joy  among  the  Methodists,  apostatize  after  a  few  weeks, 
and  became  tinctured  with  infidelity.  Knowing  that  their 
experience  was  delusory,  and  believing,  as  the  Methodists 
assured  them,  that  no  conversion  is  more  pure,  they  treat 
all  experimental  religion  with  contempt.  The  number 
who  totally  forsake  the  house  of  God,  in  consequence  of 
their  having  followed  !he  Methodists,  is  increasing  to  an 
alarming  degree.  For  they  have  good  sense  enough  to  be 
disgusted  with  Methodism,  and  depravity  enough  to  be 
influenced  by  it,  so  far  as  to  despise  all  other  religious  in- 
stitutions. Thus  the  Methodists  unintentionally  occasion 
a  rank  harvest  of  heathenism)  and  many  become  incura- 
bly hardened  by  having  been  once  heated  in  their  forge. 
Little  do  parents  and  guardians  generally,  consider  to 
what  danger  the  young  immortals  under  their  care  are 
exposed,  when  permitted  to  gratify  their  curiosity,  by  at- 
ending  Methodists'  exhibitions. 


GO  IHE    SPIRIT 

220.  This  way  to  hold  them  need  not  be  told  theia 

Till  we  have  got  their  name  ; 
But  we'll  pretend  their  good  's  our  end, 
Their  good  is  all  our  aim. 

221.  O  how  we  love  their  souls,  above 

All  else  beneath  the  sky  ! 
We'd  talk  and  pray  our  lives  away, 
If  they  would  but  comply. 

222.  We  may  use  this  sweet  artifice 

Where  'tis  not  understood, 
Such  loving  arts  will  move  their  hearts, 
And  do  their  souls  much  good. 

223  And  holy  guile  will  not  defile 

The  cause  which  we  pursue  ; 
So  blind  and  weak  are  those  we  seek, 
That  nothing  else  will  do. 

224.  They*re  so  entrenched,  with  error  drench'd, 

So  near  destruction's  jaws, 
We  must  devise  what  we'd  despise 
In  any  other  cause. 

225.  To  proselyte  is  our  delight, 

It  keeps  us  very  busy  ; 
In  this  employ  we  have  much  joy, 
Without  it  are  uneasy. 

226.  Our  talent  lies  this  way  to  rise, 

'Tis  here  we  do  our  duty, 
'Tis  in  this  way  we  show  our  sway, 
Our  greatest  moral  beauty. 


OF    METHODIC.  ftl 

!J2T.  But  here  we  must  be  loving  first, 
Take  care  how  we  proceed, 
Prepare  the  way  to  catch  our  prey, 
Show  them  the  Savbrook  creed. 


Verse  277. — The  creed  contained  in  the  Savbrook  Plat- 
form, has  long  been  oat  of  use.  It  contains  the  essential 
doctrines  of  the  gospel,  imperfectly  expressed  and  mixed 
with  some  errors.  The  Congregational  churches,  with  the 
exception  of  the  Unitarians,  agree  essentially  with  the 
Presbyierians,  but  have  not,  like  them,  a  common  conf2S- 
sion  of  Faith.  Each  church  adopt  sum  a  summary  of 
doctrines  as  thev  please.  But  the  Methodists,  who  are  ri- 
gidly bound  uy  their  Discipline,  take  much  pains  to  induce 
the  ignorant  to  believe  that  the  churches  of  Connecticut 
are  equally  hampered  by  the  Saybrook  Platform,  and  then 
charge  on  them  ali  the  defects  of  that  Formulary. 

The  following  sketch  shows  that  the  Methodists  conti- 
nue to  display  at  the  south,  the  same  spirit  that  has  so 
long  distinguished  them  at  the  north. 

4%  If  it  be  a  destitute  piace,  where  the  people  are  unac- 
quainted with  matters  of  religion,  they  first  endeavour  to 
till  the  people's  minds  with  admiration  for  their  disinterest- 
ed benevolence,  in  travelling  through  frosts  and  storms,  for 
their  benefit,  and  with  prejudices  against  the  doctrines  and 
ministers  of  other  denominations,  especially  Presbyterians, 
whose  doctrines  they  represent  as  a  horrible  system  of  fa- 
talism, their  people  as  mere  formalists,  and  their  ministers 
as  cohege-bred  idlers,  who  will  not  preach  without  a  great 
salary.  They  strengthen  these  impressions  by  means  of 
their  books  and  tracts.  Thus  they  work  until  they  get  a 
society  formed.  Then  they  begin,  for  the  first  time,  to  in- 
timate the  propriety  of  some  small  contributions  of  money 
c$—1\\  no!  it  ii  he  Presbyterians  that 
preach  for  money — but  only  to  w  send  labourers  into  those 
parts  where  they  are  most  wanted.'  Having,  by  degrees, 
got  the  people  trained  to  the  busines?,  then  k  men  and 
brethren,  help  !'  But  if  they  find  a  place  already  occupied 
by  a  pastor  and  congregation,  they  begin  1  Heir  work  with 


02  THE    SP1K1J 

228.  They're  not  aware  what  things  there  are 

Pertaining  to  their  system  ; 
Hence  to  explain  what  they  maintain, 
We'll  offer  to  assist  them. 

229.  A  Discipline  does  us  confine, 

Bound  by  a  human  creed  ; 
Hence  we'll  suppose  'tis  so  with  those 
Who  our  assistance  need. 

230.  They  shall  be  told  that  they  do  hold 

To  every  Catechism, 
And  every  thing  which  we  can  bring, 
That  looks  like  Calvinism. 

231.  Thus  we'll  get  near,  and  make  them  hear 

What  will  their  feelings  shock, 
Then  we  shall  feed  and  shortly  lead 
The  feeble  of  their  flock  ; 


professions  of  universal  charity  for  all  denominations,  es- 
pecially for  such  as  they  find  on  the  ground.  Thus  they 
get  invitations  to  preach  in  their  houses,  and  opportunity 
to  l  work'  on  the  ignorant  and  wavering  part  of  the  peo- 
ple. Having  gained  friends  in  this  way,  and  organized  a 
class,  they  next  want  a  meeting-house.  While  that  is  in 
agitation,  they  are  peculiarly  liberal  and  friendly  in  their 
sentiments;  they  and  other  Christians  are  all  k  brethren,1 
and  why  should  they  not  help  one  another  in  their  endea- 
vours to  do  good  ?  The  subscription  paper  goes  to  every 
man  in  the  neighbourhood,  ministers  not  excepted.  When, 
through  the  liberality  of  Presbyterians  and  others,  they 
have  got  a  house  of  worship,  then  come  the  presiding 
elders  with  their  train,  the  quarterly  meetings  with  their 
bustle,  the  war  whoop  is  raised  in  the  camp,  the  Calvinists 
are  cold-blooded  hypocrites,  their  pastors  are  money 
preachers,  sleepy  preachers,  persecutors,  and  4  the  Metho- 
dists will  take  the  world.'" — Fit.  and  Tel. 


09  METHODISM.  68 

232.  Hold  meetings  then  and  cry  Amen  ! 

^  Our  jolly  tunes  we'll  sing, 

And  make  our  tracts,  our  battle-axe, 
Upon  their  bulwarks  ring. 


33.  Tract  number  one,  is  our  great  gun  ! 
So  are  two,  three,  and  four, 
Five,  six,  and  seven,  rending  all  Heaven, 
Like  seven  thunders  roar  ! 


234.  Every  number  roars  like  thunder, 

By  Heaven-taught  men  composed, 
But  nought  can  equal  the  mighty  sequel, 
"  Duplicity  exposed." 

335.  When  we  would  read  we  can't  proceed, 
But  cry  out  "  this  is  good  !" 
This  is  the  thing,  'twill  deeply  sting — 
And  this  will  fetch  much  blood. 

236.  "Ye  princes,  rise,"  lift  up  your  eyes, 
Behold  the  terned  field  ? 
There  are  your  forces,  needing  resources — 
"  Arise,  anoint  the  shield." 

Verse  234. — "  Duplicity  exposed."  is  the  name  of  a  scur- 
rilous tract.  No.  44,  published  and  extendi veiy  circulated 
by  the  Methodists,  for  the  purpose  of  rendering  the  Calvin- 
ists  contemptible,  charging  them  with  the  grossest  dupli- 
city and  deceit.  Some  of  their  tracts  are  taken  from  other 
denominations,  and  contain  valuable  matter.  Those  tracts 
only  which  contain  the  peculiarities  of  Methodism  are  de- 
signed to  he  exposed  in  this  treati 

Verse  236. — Preaching  on  the  passage  here  noticed,  a 
Methodist  preacher,  some  time  since,  stated,  that  by  prin- 
ces may  be  meant  the  Methodist  classes;  by  the  shield  he 
supposed  the  circuit  preachers  were  intended,  and  to  anoint 


()4  THE    SI'IKIT 

237.  Some  are  perverted,  and  have  deserted, 

And  no  assistance  lend, 
While  these  ten  tribes  forsake  their  guides, 
"  Let  Judah  not  offend." 

238.  O  Judah,  stand,  defend  our  land, 

Proceed  and  conquer  more  ; 
Your  power  display,  hold  fast  your  prey, 
Like  hungry  lions  roar. 

239.  Ye  men  of  might,  pour  forth  your  light, 

Apply  your  pens  and  presses  ; 
Spare  no  expense,  you're  our  defence, 
You  have  our  hearts  and  purses. 

240.  Your  stations  take,  your  pitchers  break, 

And  raise  our  banners  high, 
Use  briers  and  thorns,  and  blow  ram's  horns, 
And  then  our  foes  will  fly. 

the  shield,  was  to  contribute  liberally  for  their  support. 
He  then  fervently  urged  these  princes  to  rise  and  anoint 
the  shield.  Why  may  not  those  who  publish  tiacts  and 
magazines  be  considered  as  included  in  the  shield  ?  And 
why  would  it  not  be  equally  anointing  the  shield,  for  these 
princes  to  purchase  these  Methodists"  books,  especially  as 
they  are  usually  sold  at  a  very  high  price? 

Verse  237. — A  great  number  of  Methodists  at  the  south 
and  west,  have  seceded,  and  formed  a  separate  establish- 
ment, which  they  suppose  is  more  consistent  with  Chris- 
tian liberty,  than  that  which  the  Methodist  discipline  re- 
quires. In  this  way  the  whole  denomination  may  yet  be 
untrammelled.  If  once  freed  from  that  spiritual  servitude 
in  which  they  are  held,  and  left  to  examine  and  ih.nk  for 
themselves,  they  would,  in  this  enlightened  age,  be  jkely, 
in  time,  to  acquire  correct  views  respecting  the  nature  of 
holiness  and  the  principles  of  the  gospel. 

Verse  240.— The  Methodists  often  allude  to  the  way  in 


il     METHODISM.  65 

241.  Supposing  they  in  any  way 

Support  their  own  delusion, 
Or  should  be  found  to  stand  their  ground. 
We'll  cry  out  'persecution  ! 

242.  This  we'll  proclaim,  and  get  the  name 

Of  being  much  abused  ; 
Then  all  will  see  our  dignity — 
Thus  were  the  Apostles  used. 

243.  That  sect,  though  cold  and  waxen  old. 

Is  sometimes  much  excited  ; 
Begin  to  glow,  and  feel  their  wo, 
And  seem  to  be  affrighted. 


which  Jericho  was  taken  ;  ut  they  do  not,  it  is  supposed, 
think  it  necessary  to  use  litera.ly  the  same  instruments. 
For  imitating  that  transaction  one  night,  some  time  ago, 
at  a  camp  meeting,  in  Vermont,  they  used  tin  trumpets  in- 
stead of  ram's  horns. 

Verse  242.  —  The  Methodists  incessantly  boast  of  the  per- 
secution wh.<h  they  experience  ;  whereas  they  have  been 
treated  with  unparalleled  lenity,  cons  dering  their  disor- 
derly and  violent  proceedings.  For  instance,  God  is  gra- 
ciously pleaded  to  revive  his  work  in  a  place,  through  a 
regular  course  of  instruction  there  administered.  The 
Methodists  at  length  hear  of  it,  and  come  in  eipressing 
great  joy,  and  a  wish  to  lend  a  helping  hand  and  make  a 
common  cause ;  some  members  of  our  chuiches,  ignorant 
of  their  devices,  encourage  ihem.  As  soon  as  they  can 
make  an  impression,  they  instil  their  corrupt  sentiments 
into  the  ignorant,  and  use  very  device  to  induce  them  to 
forsake  the  guides  of  their  youth,  and  enlist  into  their  ranks. 
They  ultimately  fill  the  place  with  confusion.  If  the 
church  and  pastor  refuse  to  yield  every  thing  to  their  domi- 
nation, they  set  up  a  cry  of  persecution  ! 


66  THE    SPIRIT 

244.  But  while  they  tremble,  they  resemble 

Some  dreary  snow-capt  mountain, 
That  shakes,  and  roars,  and  lava  pours 
From  its  deep  fiery  fountain. 

245.  Hot  reprobation  and  fixed  damnation 

From  their  high  pulpits  roll, 
Spreading  dismay  through  all  the  way, 
And  frightening  every  soul. 

246.  Scorched  and  wounded,  and  confounded, 

And  flying  from  the  alarm, 
Their  youths  resort  to  our  safe  fort, 
To  get  our  healing  balm. 

247.  But  soon  a  chillness  and  death-like  stillness 

Succeed  this  mighty  show, 
No  fiery  light  to  change  their  night, 
Or  melt  their  mountain  snow. 

248.  This  we're  aware  some  will  not  bear, 

We'll  say  they've  true  revivals, 
Lest  we  offend  some  loving  friend, 
And  so  assist  our  rivals. 

249.  But  then  we'll  say,  they've  got  our  way, 

Encroached  upon  our  right, 
That  they  acquire  some  of  our  fire, 
And  shine  by  our  true  light ; 

250.  That  they've  in  part  learnt  our  new  art, 

And  ventured  on  our  ground  ; 
We've  taught  them  how  to  hold  the  plough, 
The  gospel  trumpet  sound  ; 


OF   HETUODIBM  0? 

251.  And  how  to  make  the  Heavens  shake, 

And  send  a  drenching  shower — 
Our  scheme  they  try,  lay  Calvin  by, 
And  then  they  have  "  the  power." 

252.  Hence  their  displays  of  heavenly  grace, 

And  all  their  mighty  movements, 
Arise,  we  deem,  from  our  blest  scheme, 
We've  taught  them  these  improvements, 

253.  Now  we'll  admit  they  often  fit 

Poor  sinners  for  our  care, 
We  interpose  and  ease  their  woes, 
And  save  them  from  despair. 


Verse  253. — The  Methodists  intimate  by  their  preaching 
and  publications,  that  they  have  occasioned  ail  the  revi- 
vals and  benevolent  efforts  of  the  present  day  ;  and  that  it 
is  by  omitting  Calvinism  and  preaching  their  sentiments, 
that  Calvinists  so  frequently  receive  a  spiritual  blessing. 
But  revivals  were  frequent  in  New- England  long  before 
the  Methodists  existed,  and  now  occur  where  Methodists 
exert  no  influence.  In  numerous  instances,  where  they 
exert  all  their  influence,  they  are  left  like  the  path  in  the 
desert,  while  God  in  sovereign  mercy,  renders  the  peculiar 
sentiments  of  Calvinism  the  means  of  an  extensive  revival. 

Those  revivals  are  the  most  pure  and  durable,  where 
Methodists  are  unable  to  make  any  impression  :  when  they 
are  admitted  as  co-workers,  the  work  soon  ceases,  and 
many  apostatize.  A  real  Calvinistic  revival  has  no  con- 
nexion with  a  Methodist  revival,  but  is  totally  different 
from  it  in  all  its  features,  ano  must  have  had  a  different 
origin.  That  deep  conviction,  huinbi^  joy  and  trembling 
hope,  by  which  it  is  marked,  arise  principally  from  a  just 
view  of  God's  ultimate  end  in  creating  and  governing  the 
universe.  When  sinners  begin  to  realize  that  he  made  all 
things  for  his  own  blessedness,  and  that  his  plan  of  re* 


08  THE    SPIRIT 

254.  With  their  abuse  they  are  of  use 

To  rouse  some  hardened  sinners  : 
In  works  of  grace,  these  latter  days, 
They  seem  to  be  beginners. 


demption  is  adapted  to  this  end,  they  see  that  the  natural 
bent  of  their  heirts  is  opposed  to  him,  and  that  they  are 
absolutely  dependent  on  bim  for  reconciliation.  This  con- 
viction sweeps  away  their  .'alse  hopes,  fills  them  with  soli- 
citude, prepares  them  t<>  eceive  his  transforming;  influence, 
and  to  ascribe  the  change,  when  produced,  to  his  sovereign 
grace.  It  was  in  view  of  ihe  awful,  glorious  trum,  that 
God  works  all  things  according  to  his  eternal  counsel,  and 
for  his  own  glory,  that  the  three  thousand  at  Pentecost 
were  pricked  in  .heir  hearts  and  humbled  into  the  dust  be- 
fore God.     See  Acts  u.  23  and  37. 

But  the  Methodists,  in  common  with  Universalists,  Uni- 
tarians, and  other  errorists,  fall  in  with  the  feelings  of  the 
selfish,  unhumbled  heirt,  by  virtually  denying  that  God 
made  all  things  for  himself.  They  represent  him  as  aim- 
ing ultimately  at  the  good  of  men,  and  as  bound,  and 
disposed  to  do  all  that  he  can  to  promote  the  endless  good 
of  every  individual.  Sinners,  while  believing  this  fatal  error, 
may  be  excited,  alarmed,  and  wrought  up  to  an  ecstasy  of 
joy,  but  cannot  be  truly  converted.  Indeed  the  Methodists1 
conversions  and  revivals,  when  tried  by  President  Edwards' 
treatise  on  religious  affections,  will  appear  delusive.  All 
the  symptoms  of  them  are  such  as  he  considers  fallacious, 
and  no  signs  of  true  conversion. 

Jf  the  Methodists  have,  as  they  claim,  roused  the  New- 
England  churches  to  action,  it  is  doubtful  whether  they 
have  done  more  in  this  way,  than  was  previously  done  by 
Voltaire  and  his  associates.  Great  efforts  to  propagate 
error  usually  tend  to  awaken  the  friends  of  truth.  Thus 
the  wrath  of  men  is  made  to  praise  God. 

Verse  254. — The  Methodists  seldom  occasion  a  religious 
excitement,  except  the  high  pressure  of  camp  meetings. 
The  low  views  of  human  depravity,  of  the  divine  law  and 
government,  which  they  advance,  the  foolish  and  slanderous 


OF   METHODISM.  60 

255.  But  they've  no  skill  to  guide  the  will, 

They  lead  but  to  bewilder, 
But  we  are  near  to  interfere, 
As  a  wise  master  builder. 

256.  They  lower  their  voice,  allow  no  noise, 

Not  even  shouts  nor  sighing, 
Like  some  stern  mother  who  seeks  to  smother 
Her  child  to  stop  its  crying. 

257.  These  are  the  reasons,  why  at  such  seasons 

We  aim  to  get  the  lead  ; 
They  would  destroy  all  peace  and  joy, 
The  way  that  they  proceed. 

258.  We'll  let  them  have  what  they  would  crave, 

The  care  of  our  supplies, 
But  'tis  our  part  to  guide  the  heart, 
And  make  the  building  rise. 


anecdotes,  the  groans  and  shouting  mixed  with  their 
preaching,  tend  to  gratify  the  wicked,  but  not  to  convict  or 
awaken  them.  Many  resort  to  their  meetings  as  they  would 
go  to  a  theatre,  or  to  any  scene  of  carnal  mirth.  They 
have  a  plausible  pretext  for  profaning  the  Sabbath  in  this 
way.  They  are  thus  not  merely  allured  from  the  regular 
means  of  grace,  but  they  become  exceedingly  hardened  by 
that  kind  of  instruction  which  they  hear  among  the  Me- 
thodists. "  Evil  communication  corrupts  good  manners.-' 
This  is  more  dangerous  than  even  Universalism,  for  it  is 
more  plausible.  M  By  good  words  and  fair  speeches  they 
deceive  the  hearts  of  the  simple/' 

Verse  258. — The  most  active  and  useful  Methodists  are 
those  who  have  been  instructed  and  impressed  in  the  ranks 
of  Calvinism,  and  then  seceded. 


70  THE    SP1KN 

259.  Unskilful  men  have  often  been 
Employed  in  clearing  lands  ; 
To  cultivate  and  decorate 
Is  left  to  other  hands. 

2C0.  Now  if  they  please,  with  their  decrees 
They  may  be  pioneers, 
But  we'll  be  near  upon  their  rear, 
With  our  bold  grenadiers. 

261.  When  they  revive,  and  are  alive, 
And  seem  about  to  rise, 
Then  we  will  show  what  we  can  do — 
Cast  down  our  rods  likewise. 


Verse  261. — Where  a  religious  revival  has  commenced, 
and  Multitudes  are  impressed,  who  are  ignorant  of  the  dis- 
tinguishing doctrines  of  the  gospel,  the  Methodists  generally 
avail  themselves  of  the  opportunity  and  take  great  advan- 
tage. They  collect  their  forces,  set  up  meetings,  gather  a 
crowd,  and  with  noise  and  tumult  overwhelm  those  who 
have  begun  to  he  alarmed,  induce  many  to  believe  they 
have  religion,  tell  them  they  must  not  doubt,  for  to  do  that 
would  be  to  yield  to  Satan,  "  who  desires  nothing  more 
than  to  set  young  converts  to  doubting.'1  They  then  urge 
them  to  join  the  class  for  six  months  only,  on  trial.  Some 
members  of  our  churches  will  encourage  them  for  a  time, 
from  a  mistaken  notion  that  they  may  do  good,  since  they 
make  a  great  impression.  Others,  who  foresee  the  evil, 
are  afraid  to  oppose  them,  lest  opposition  at  such  a  time, 
should  stop  the  revival.  Some  just  begun  to  be  impressed, 
will  go  to  these  Methodist  meetings  in  hope  of  receiving 
some  good  ;  but  they  become  confused,  lose  their  convic- 
tion, and  turn  again  to  folly.  Some  who  hate  God's  sove- 
reignty, and  wish  for  religion  without  self-uenial,  will  join 
the  Methodists'  ranks,  and  shout,  sing,  pray,  and  exhort 
for  a  time,  and  then  turn  back  and  treat  all  religion  with 


»}     KKTHODISir. 

262.  And  when  we  find  the  work's  declined, 

The  reformation  closed, 
It  shall  be  said,  the  Spirit  fled 
Because  we  were  opposed. 

263.  Our  force  we'll  muster,  with  a  bluster 

A  holy  onset  make  ; 
Then  wTe  are  sure  some  to  allure, 
And  great  advantage  take. 

264.  We'll  cry  aloud,  and  melt  the  crowd 

To  penitential  tears, 
Then  sing  and  pray,  and  drive  away 
Their  rising  doubts  and  fears. 

265.  Soon  as  we  find  they  are  inclined 

To  join  "  the  heavenly  shout," 
We'll  say  'tis  sure  their  hearts  are  pure— 
'Tis  Satan  makes  folks  doubt. 


contempt.  Even  young  converts  become  bewildered  and 
pleased  with  the  attention  and  distinction  the  Methodists 
confer  on  them,  attend  their  meetings,  take  the  lead,  are 
lifted  up  with  pride,  and  soon  sink  into  darkness,  and  be- 
come useless.  Intelligent  men,  who  were  beginning  to  be 
thoughtful,  are  disgusted  with  such  scenes  of  confusion, 
and  are  ready  to  dount  the  reality  of  revivals.  Sober 
Christians  are  disheartened,  and  cease  to  make  efforts  to 
continue  the  work,  and  it  soon  ceases.  A  few  are  ga- 
thered into  the  church  ;  but  the  fervour  of  religion  is  gone. 
Even  the  Methodists,  though  they  have  swelled  their  list 
of  seekers,  usually  find  themselves  like  the  lean  kine  of 
Egypt*  In  hundreds  of  instances  they  have  had  the 
honour  of  showing  their  influence  in  revivals,  like  the 
locusts  of  Canaan.  M  Before  tnem  was  as  the  garden  of 
Eden,  and  behind  them  a  desolate  wilderness." 


7*^  THE    SPUR]  I 

266.  We'll  show  our  love,  their  passions  movej 

Be  careful  not  to  grieve  them, 
And  then  we'll  show — indeed  they'll  know 
Others  will  not  receive  them. 

267.  Or  should  they  join  without  our  line, 

A  church  beyond  our  fence, 
They  would  not  the?    have  such  sweet  fare, 
Nor  half  the  consequence. 

268.  There  no  class  meeting  with  love  and  greeting, 

To  kindle  their  desire  ; 
No  sweet  expressions  to  move  their  passions, 
And  set  their  souls  on  fire. 

269.  There  no  love  feasts  to  cheer  their  breasts, 

And  make  them  laugh  and  weep  ; 
There  coldness  reigns  and  all  restrains, 
And  women  silence  keep. 

270.  While  they  are  bright,  just  come  to  light, 

Possessing  all  our  features, 
They  must  be  fed,  our  milk  they'll  need, 
"  And  join  our  class  as  seekers." 

271.  All  such  as  fear  God's  too  severe, 

And  can  no  comfort  find, 
Will  soon  perceive,  what  we  believe 
Exactly  suits  their  mind. 


Verse  270. — The  Methodists  will  admit  any  person  as  a 
seeker,  who  says  he  wishes  for  religion  ;  as  soon  as  he  gives 
them  his  name  as  such,  they  admit  him  to  their  commu- 
nion if  he  is  baptized. 


:  EfODISM.  fa 

VJ72.  We've  no  decrees  their  souls  to  teaze. 
Nor  abitrary  fate, 
And  no  submission  without  condition, 
Nor  sovereignty  to  hate. 

273.  The  law  is  lower  than  'twas  before 
Our  parents  first  rejection  ; 
It  now  takes  less  for  holiness, 
And  less  to  make  perfection. 

Verse  273. — See  the  Methodist  Discipline,  which  says. 
the  Adamio  law  is  the  same  in  substance  with  the  Angelic 
law.  It  required  ih.it  man  should  use  to  the  glory  of  God 
all  the  powers  with  which  he  wa-  created.  But  Adam  fell — 
consequently  no  man  is  able  to  perform  the  service  which 
the  Adamic  law  required;  and  no  man  is  obliged  to  per- 
form this  service.  God  does  not  require  it  of  any  man; 
for  Christ  is  the  end  of  the  Adamic  law  as  well  as  the 
Mosaic  law.  In  the  room  of  this,  Christ  hath  established 
another;  namely,  the  law  of  faith.  Mr.  Fletcher  says. 
that  none  arrive  to  Adamic  perfection,  but  Christian  per- 
fection all  may  have.  k*  Between  these  two  perfections  we 
place  the  gracious  innocence  of  little  children.1'  page  21. 
It  is  admitted  that  the  bible  ascribes  a  sort  of  perfection  to 
sincere  Christians,  since,  being  pardoned,  their  character  is 
reckoned  according  to  the.r  hoiy  exercises.  But  they  are 
not  called  perfeci  with  reference  to  a  new*  mild  law,  adapt- 
ed to  the  state  of  fallen  men,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  law 
first  given  to  men  ;  for  such  a  new  law,  with  which  Me- 
thodist writings  abound,  is  merely  a  creature  of  the  imagi- 
nation. The  bible  knows  no  more  about  it,  than  it  does 
about  the  gracious  innocence  <f  littlt  chthlren.  The  moral 
law,  as  explained  by  the  Saviour,  requires  us  to  love  God 
incessantly,  with  all  our  powers.  No  divine  law  ever  exist- 
ed, that  required  more  than  this.  Those  who  comply  as 
the  spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect  do,  are  perfect.  But  such 
as  fail  of  loving  Ged  at  all  times,  to  the  extent  of  their 
powers,   are  imperfect  and  need    forgiveness.     The  best 


74 


THE    sriKIl 


274.  Hence  they  may  be  from  sin  set  tree, 

This  we  perfection  call, 
When  by  the  rule  of  Calvin's  school, 
They  have  no  grace  at  all. 

275.  Some  do  not  know  which  way  to  go, 

Possessing  itching  ears ; 
They'll  find  at  length,  that  we  gain  strength, 
And  join  us  without  fears. 

276.  But  some  will  hold  as  they've  been  told  : 

Interrogating  such, 
We'll  intimate,  without  debate, 
"  That  we  don't  differ  much  ;" 

277.  That  saints  are  dear,  both  far  and  near, 

Whatever  be  their  name, 
And  should  they  turn  where  our  lights  burn* 
The  church  would  be  the  same. 

278.  The  disaffected  and  neglected, 

Who  lag  behind  their  camp — 
All  such  as  these  we  soon  shall  seize, 
And  guide  them  with  our  lamp. 

279.  We'll  show  our  zeal  their  wounds  to  heal, 

Then  they  will  understand 


Christians  on  earth  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God.  We 
ought  to  be  perfect  as  God  is,  and  should  make  it  our  con- 
stant aim  to  be  so  ;  and  nothing  can  hinder  us  but  what 
is  criminal  on  our  part.  The  Methodists  not  only  admit 
this,  but  say  that  some  do  arrive  to  sinless  perfection,  and 
many  of  them  boast  that  they  possess  this  high  attainment. 
They  consider  it,  however,  expedient  to  boast  less  than 
'nrnrrrlv 


uF    MK  I  SOBISH.  /.► 

*T\voul(3  be  relief  for  all  their  grief. 
To  join  our  loving  band. 

280.  We'll  let  them  see  what  liberty 

We  never  fail  to  show — 
Just  half  a  year — they  need  not  fear. 
Then  they  may  come  or  go. 

281.  When  they  awake,  our  fire  partake, 

And  in  our  cause  are  bold, 
They'll  say  'tis  true,  wine  that  is  new 
Is  better  than  the  old. 

282.  Our  active  youth,  who  love  the  truth. 

And  show  their  forwardness, 
Will  surely  find  our  Bishops  kind 
To  such  as  have  success. 

2S3.  He  stimulates  such  candidates 

As  would  be  circuit  preachers  ; 
Gives  them  the  lead,  when  they  succeed 
In  gaining  many  seekers. 

Verse  283. — The  Methodists'  system  is  not  calculated  to 
promote  the  general  interests  of  religion,  but  to  build  up  a 
party.  Their  great  object  is  to  exterminate  other  denomi- 
nations, for  the  purpose  of  building  their  own  ;  treat  them 
with  kindness,  and  you  will  encourage  tnem  to  hope  that 
they  can  get  some  advantage.  Christian  courtesy  and 
generosity  form  no  part  of  their  policy.  Their  young  men 
virtually  receive  a  bounty  for  every  proselyte  they  make ; 
if  they  are  successful  in  making  inroads  on  other  denomi- 
nations, they  are  promoted,  furnished  with  a  fine  suit  of 
clothes,  a  good  horse,  and  a  good  sum  of  money,  and  sent 
forth  to  repeat  with  great  volubility,  the  commonplace 
sentiments  and  phrases  of  John  Wesley,  and  a  number  of 
scripture  passages  with  his  perversion  of  them.    They  are 


7tf 


IHL    SPIKIX 


284.  Then  each  repairs,  with  lofty  airs. 
Where  he  is  designated, 
And  there  repeats  to  all  he  meet? 
What  he  has  often  stated. 

2S5.  His  skill  and  fire  some  will  admire. 
And  wish  to  hear  him  more  ; 
But  will  not  hear,  tor  one  short  year 
Will  quite  exhaust  his  store. 

286.  Then  he  is  found  on  other  ground. 

With  equal  reputation  ; 
With  equal  zeal  to  make  men  feel. 
And  gain  their  admiration. 

287.  He  may  yet  gain,  and  well  sustain 

The  ruling  Elder's  care  ; 
Perhaps  he  may,  some  future  day. 
Possess  a  Bishop's  chair. 

288.  But  if  he's  found  to  be  unsound. 

Departing  from  the  line, 
Or  disobey,  in  any  way, 
Our  rigid  discipline, 

generaUy  too  ignorant  to  feel  the  force  of  any  arguments 
that  can  be  adduced,  1o  convince  then  of  their  errors,  and 
too  much  interested  in  maintaining  Methodism  to  yield,  if 
they  do  feel ;  for  if  they  do  not  conlimie  to  construe  the 
bible  as  Wesley  did,  they  will  at  once  lo^e  all  their  irii|  or- 
tance  and  sink  into  their  former  insignificance.  Besides, 
their  hopes  of  salvation  depend  on  adhering  to  Methodism. 
If  Calvinistic  sentiments  should  prove  true  they  are  gone, 
for  they  hale  a  sovereign  God.  Hence,  you  can  avail  no- 
thing by  disputing  with  a  Methodist  preacher.  You  can- 
not induce  him  to  yield  to  the  truth,  unless  you  can  first 
induce  him  to  relinquish  his  temporal  and  spiritual  pros- 
pects. 


289.  He'll  lose  his  place,  with  great  disgrace  ; 

To  mortify  his  pride, 
He's  turned  away,  deprived  of  pay. 
Without  a  horse  to  ride. 

290.  Our  sisters  too,  have  much  to  do 

In  forwarding  our  plan  ; 
With  sweet  display  they  speak  and  pray, 
Freed  from  the  fear  of  man. 

291.  Thus  they  excite  a  pure  delight, 

Opposers  they  disarm  ; 
The  crowd  draw  near,  the  truth  to  hear, 
Attracted  by  their  charm. 

292.  We  have  our  texts  to  prove  this  sex 

Should  in  our  cause  embark ; 
Remember  when  they  shamed  the  men. 
15 y  bringing  back  the  ark. 

293.  They  set  their  will  toward  Zion's  hill, 

And  never  once  did  roam, 
Lowing  they  went,  straight  forward  bent. 
And  left  their  calves  at  home. 


Verse  291. — That  many  women  can  speak  well,  and  at- 
tract notice  in  this  way,  is  admitted.  But  God  has  forbid- 
den them  to  speak  in  public  meetings,  and  it  becomes  them 
to  regard  his  authority,  remembering  that  to  obey  is  better 
than  sacrifice.  They  can  exert  a  salutary  influence  in  fa- 
vour of  religion,  and  have  enough  to  do  in  promoting  the 
cause,  without  violating  the  rules  of  decorum  and  gospel 
order.  It  is  lamentable  that  any  woman  should  be  indu- 
ced to  make  such  a  display  as  tends  to  render  a  religious 
meeting  like  a  theatrical  exhibition. 


74  XllL.    bPlKII 

294.  This  fact  avails  to  prove  females 
Should  all  their  ardour  show  ; 
'  Sisters  be  bold,  and  take  strong  hold, 
And  then  the  ark  will  go." 

'295.  Now  if  we  chose  to  meet  our  foes, 
And  test  our  schemes  by  fruit, 
We  surely  might  prove  our  scheme  right, 
Or  find  they'd  not  dispute. 


Verse  204. — A  Methodist  teacher,  some  time  ago,  gave 
an  exhortation  to  the  women,  grounded  on  the  circum- 
stance that  God  employed  females  to  restore  the  ark  to 
Israel ;  considering  it  as  an  indication  that  females  should 
now  go  forward  and  act  a  public  part,  and  added,  "  Sisters, 
take  hold,  and  the  ark  will  go."  But  if  he  had  read  his 
bible  through,  he  would  have  found  it  written,  1  Cor.  xiv. 
34.  and  1  Tim.  ii.  "  Let  your  women  keep  silence  in  the 
churches,  for  it  is  not  permitted  unto  them  to  speak.  But 
they  are  commanded  to  be  under  obedience,  as  also  saith 
the  law.  And  if  they  will  learn  any  thing,  let  them  ask 
their  husbands  at  home,  for  it  is  a  shame  for  women  to 
speak  in  the  church.  I  will,  therefore,  that  men  pray 
every  where.  Let  the  women  learn  in  silence,  with  all  sub- 
jection. But  I  suffer  not  a  woman  to  teach,  nor  to  usurp 
authority  over  the  man,  but  to  be  in  silence." 

Verse  295. — Methodism  may  be  useful  where  it  stands 
alone.  Even  when  it  is  sown  among  wheat  an  attempt 
to  exterminate  it  might  root  up  the  wheat  also.  It  occa- 
sionally relieves  a  church,  by  drawing  away  disorderly  and 
ungovernable  members,  and  laying  them  under  some  re- 
straint. But  even  that  chanty,  which  hopeth  and  be- 
lieveth  all  things,  can  hardly  imagine  that  the  cause  of 
piety  or  morality  would  sustain  any  real  loss,  if  all  the 
fruits,  branches,  and  roots  of  it  were  peaceably  and  ex- 
clusive1-/ swe:>>  away  from  ^ew-En^land. 


OF    METHODISM.  '*•* 

290.  If  all  the  fruits,  branches,  and  roots. 
Which  to  our  scheme  pertain, 
Were  swept  away,  at  any  day. 
How  little  would  remain. 

297.  We  are  all  moral,  and  never  quarrel. 

Nor  utter  any  lie  ; 
But  do  strain  at  camel  and  gnat, 
With  no  mote  in  our  eye. 

298.  Thank  God  that  we  can  clearly  see, 

Have  great  humiliation, 
And  far  exceed,  in  word  and  deed-, 
That  proud  denomination. 

399.  Our  secret  prayers  are  not  like  theirs, 
Performed  with  timid  guile  ; 
Foi  while  they  fear  that  some  will  hear. 
We're  heard  a  half  a  mile, 

300.  We  often  pray  for  bread  this  day, 
And  every  day  in  seven  ; 
But  being  clean  from  every  sin, 
We  need  not  be  forgiven. 


Verse  298. — The  Pharisee  6tood  and  prayed  thus  with 
himself — God,  I  thank  thee  that  I  am  not  as  other  men 
are,  extortioners,  unjust,  adulterers,  or  even  as  this  publi 
can. — Lwfcexviii.il.  When  thou  prayest,  thou  sh alt  not 
be  as  the  hypocrites  are,  for  they  love  to  pray  standing  in 
the  synagogues,  and  in  the  corners  of  the  streets,  that  they 
may  be  seen  of  men;  but  thou,  when  thou  prayest,  enter 
into  thy  closet,  and  when  thou  Iras  shut  thy  door,  pray  to 
thy  Father  who  is  in  secret. — Mat.  vi. 


■At  THE    SPIRIT 

301.  We  could  well  spare  from  the  Lord's  prayer. 

That  little  short  petition  ;* 
But  some  will  need  it,  therefore  we  read  it, 
Not  urging  the  omission. 

302.  What  generation  did  revelation 

Intend  we  should  despise, 
As  being  vile,  the  very  whilef 
They're  pure  in  their  own  eyes  ? 

303.  It  is  not  seen  what  it  could  mean, 

It  meant  not  us  we're  sure  ; 
For  though  our  claim  is  just  the  same. 
We  know  that  we  are  pure. 

304.  We  are  perplext  by  this  strange  test. 

For  we  the  truth  embrace, 
That  to  feel  sure  our  hearts  are  pure. 
Is  to  be  saved  by  grace. 

*  "  Forgive  us  our  trespasses." 

t  Prov.  xxx.  T2. 

Verse  304. — Mr.  Fletcher,  a  leader  of  the  Methodists, 
speaking  of  perfection,  says,  "  We  can  make  an  instanta- 
neous act  of  faith,  and  God  can  seal  that  act  by  an  instan- 
taneous operation  of  his  Spirit.  That  faith  whereby  we 
are  sanctified,  saved  from  sin,  and  perfected  in  love,  is  a 
divine  evidence  that  God  has  promised  it  (perfect  sancti- 
fication)  in  his  word,  that  he  is  able  to  perform,  that  he  is 
willing  to  do  it  now.  To  this  confidence  there  needs  to  be 
added  one  thing  more,  a  divine  evidence  and  conviction 
that  he  doth  it.  In  that  hour  it  is  done,  God  saith  to  the 
inmost  soul,  according  to  thy  faith  be  it  unto  thee.  Then  the 
soul  is  pure  from  every  spoi  of  sin,  it  is  clean  from  all  un- 
righteousness. It  is  important  to  observe  that  there  is  an 
inseparable  connexion  between  these  three  points — expect 
it  by  faith,  expect  it  as  you  are, expect  it  now."  Thus,  ac- 
cording to   the  ^le<'ioHists.  if  a  person  can  be  induced  to 


OF   XSTHOJHSM,  £J 

305.  Now  we  suppose  it  meant  our  toes. 
Whose  hearts  remain  impure, 
While  they  are  wise,  in  their  own  eyes. 
Expecting  to  endure. 

30G.  If  we  had  time  to  make  it  rhyme, 
We  would  more  fully  show. 
How  pure,  and  holy,  mild,  meek,  and  lowly, 
We  spend  our  time  below. 

307.  How  much  we  talk  against  the  walk 

Of  those  who  dress  too  gay  ; 
And  thus  allure  the  humble  poor, 
And  lead  them  in  our  way. 

308.  We  join  with  those  who  wear  plain  clothes 

But  dress  as  well  's  they  can. 
And  do  maintain  it  is  in  vain 
To  adorn  the  outward  man. 

309.  It  does  not  seem  that  our  new  scheme 

Admits  of  any  pride  ; 
The  aspiring  will,  the  serpent's  skill. 
Are  by  it  sanctified. 

make  such  an  instantaneous  act  of  faith  as  to  believe  that 
God  now  grants  him  perfect  sanctiflcation,  he  becomes,  in 
consequence,  perfect;  God  does  to  him  according  to  his 
faith.  Hence  they  take  much  pains  to  persuade  such  as 
are  alarmed,  to  think  that  they  are  sanctified,  to  feel  hap- 
py, and  not  doubt  of  their  interest  in  Christ.  They  are 
often  heard  to  pervert  and  misquote  scripture  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  to  say  he  that  doubteth  shall  be  damned!  They 
suppose  that  every  person  who  has  religious  joy  is  sancti- 
fied, though  his  joy  is  like  that  of  the  stony-ground  hear- 
ers;  and  that  while  he  is  confident  of  his  #ood  estate,  and 
excludes  all  doubts,  he  retains  sinless  perfection.  Such 
instruction  and  advice  have  a  fatal  tendency. 
7* 


^  tin:   BP1RI1 

310.  We  do  not  view  our  creed  as  ne 

Nor  subject  to  decay  ; 
In  ancient  days  men  sang  its  praise, 
Peiagius  led  the  way. 

311.  But  he,  however,  though  quite  clever, 

Was  not  entirely  clear  ; 
He'd  just  begun  his  race  to  run, 
But  met  Augustine's  spear. 

312.  At  length  more  sound,  on  better  ground, 

Semi-Pelagians  rose, 
Hardly  could  they  maintain  their  way. 
Amidst  a  world  of  foes. 

olo.  Revolving  years  beheld  their  tears, 
But  still  their  cause  increased  ; 
'Twas  sometimes  low,  but  we  well  know 
The  leaven  never  ceased. 

314.  Luther  we'd  claim,  and  every  name, 
Found  in  the  reformation, 
Did  we  not  fear  it  is  too  clear, 
The}'  held  predestination. 


Veine  31  2. — It  is  very  evident  that  Methodism  is  merely 
a  revival  of  jibe  Pelagian  and  semi-Pelagian  heresy,  which 
occasioned  such  alarm  and  trouble  to  the  church,  in  the 
fifth  century. 

Verse  314. —  The  sentiments  which  Luther,  in  connexion 
with  the  other  reformers,  wielded  with  so  much  success, 
have  since  been  called  Calvinistic,  and  the  doctrines  of  the 
reformation.  He  used  to  say,  u  Both  pood  and  evil  men 
by  their  actions  fulfil  the  decrees  and  appointments  of 
God."  This  was  brought  as  a  charge  against  him  at  the 
diet  of  Wornu^  as  a  reason  why  lie  should  he  put  to  death. 


Of    METHODISM.  81 

815.  These  men  of  might  were  partly  right, 
But  had  not  perfect  day  ; 
Arminius  then  assumed  his  pen, 
And  drove  the  mists  away. 

316.  In  his  belief,  a  mighty  chief 

Did  next  the  cause  espouse  ; 
Wesley  by  name,  great  is  his  fame, 
For  works,  and  zeal,  and  vows. 

317.  With  skill  profound,  a  scheme  he  wound. 

Fast  tying  all  the  knots  ; 
The  scheme  is  new,  he  proved  it  true, 
By  casting  many  lots. 

The  pope's  nuncio  accused  him  of  denying  the  existence  of 
human  liberty,  and  maintaing  that  good  and  evil  depend 
on  a  fatal  and  inevitable  necessity  ;  "  so  that  sinners  might 
excuse  themselves  for  committing  crimes,  by  saying  our 
fate  did  not  allow  us  to  do  otherwise."  The  Methodists, 
as  if  they  likewise  had  taken  their  lesson  from  the  pope, 
urge  precisely  the  same  charge  against  the  Calvinists. 

Verse  317. — A  scheme  he  wound.  u  The  great  man,  he 
uttereth  his  mischievous  desire,  so  they  wrap  it  up." — 
Micah  vii.  2.  Mr.  Wesley  was  famous  for  casting  lots, 
and,  in  his  opinion,  very  successful ;  for  he  says  God  never 
gave  him  a  wrong  lot  but  once.  Even  his  notorious  ser- 
mon, (tract  35.)  entitled  u  Free  Grace,"  is  a  result  of  his  lots. 
The  lot  came  out  respecting  it,  M  preach  and  publish." 
This  he  considered  as  a  voice  from  Heaven,  sanctioning 
all  the  blasphemy  that  tract  contains.  Mr.  Whitfield,  in  a 
letter  to  him,  dated  Bethseda,  Dec.  24,  1740,  exposed  the 
heresy  and  sophistry  of  that  tract,  reproved  him  for  tempt- 
ing God  in  this  way,  reminded  him  of  an  instance  in  which 
he  had  been  grossly  deceived  by  lots,  and  expressed  a  hope 
that  the  children  of  God  would  not  believe  his  doctrine 
was  true,  because  he  preached  it  in  compliance  with  a  lot. 

Indeed  it  appears  that  Mr.  Weslev  was  led  into  Armi- 
7t 


84  THE    SPIRIT 

318.  He  proved  its  strength,  its  depth,  and  length, 
He  gave  it  operation  ; 
A  like  machine  was  never  seen 
Before,  since  the  creation. 


nianism  at  first,  by  a  lot.  Mr.  Toplady  said  to  him,  (and  it 
is  believed  the  charge  has  never  been  denied,)  "  Remember 
that  it  once  depended  on  the  toss  of  a  shilling,  whether 
you  yourself  would  be  a  Calvinist  or  an  Arminian." 

Verse  318. — This  scheme,  and  all  the  irregularities  of 
the  Methodists,  as  noticed  in  this  poem,  are  doubtless  ca- 
pable of  a  very  plausible  defence.  An  artful  disputant  can 
make  any  heresy  seem  like  the  truth,  and  induce  weak 
minds  to  believe  that  he  supports  it  by  the  scriptures.  He 
might  even  so  advocate  the  cause  of  Satan,  as  to  awaken 
extensively  a  high  degree  of  sympathy  in  favour  of  that 
unhappy  apostate.  He  might,  likewise,  advance  very 
plausible  objections  against  any  cause  in  the  universe. 
The  first  rebellion  that  ever  existed  was  commenced  in 
Heaven,  probably,  by  a  single  crafty  individual ;  he  indu- 
ced many  to  believe  that  his  cause  was  just,  and  that 
things  were  managed  improperly  through  the  realms 
above. 

It  is  the  unhappiness  of  multitudes,  that  they  will  take 
no  pains  to  search  for  religious  truth,  but  yield  themselves 
to  the  devices  of  such  as  lie  in  wait  to  deceive.  Beside, 
their  depravity  of  heart  leads  them  to  reject  the  humilia- 
ting doctrines  of  the  gospel,  to  hate  the  light.  Hence, 
they  eagerly  drink  in  such  errors  as  will  give  them  a  hope 
of  salvation  without  self  denial,  without  that  radical  change 
of  heart,  which  consists  in  giving  up  all  private  good,  and 
making  the  glory  of  God  the  supreme  object  of  pursuit. 
The  Methodists,  like  other  heretics  who  wish  to  be  consi- 
dered as  Christians,  collect  a  number  of  passages  in  the 
bible,  which,  taken  in  a  detached  manner,  seem  to  support 
their  scheme,  and  entirely  omit  or  evidently  pervert  the 
rest.  But  the  Calvinists  take  the  whole  bible  for  their  de- 
fence and  support;  all  parts  of  it  are  harmonized  by  their 
scheme. 


OF    METHODISM.  x   • 

319.  It  operates  through  all  these  states, 

Over  the  hills  and  mire 
It  takes  its  course  with  mighty  force, 
And  rolls  like  liquid  fire. 

320.  This  must  be  seen  when  we  convene, 

Encampt  long  in  the  woods  ; 
Collected  there,  from  every  where, 
In  multitudes,  like  floods. 

321.  Thousands  around,  about  the  ground. 

Attracted  to  the  sight, 
Will  hear  our  sighs,  and  mingled  cries. 
And  witness  our  delight. 

322.  Such  a  concourse,  and  mighty  force, 

As  we  bring  to  the  field, 
Such  shrieks,   and  groans,  and   thundering 
tones, 
Must  make  the  stubborn  yield. 


Verse  322. — The  effect  produced  at  camp  meetings, 
may  be  accounted  for  on  natural  principles.  It  is  similar 
to  what  attends  many  of  the  meetings  held  by  papists  and 
heathens.  We  are  so  constituted  as  to  sympathise  with 
those  around  us,  and  to  have  our  feelings  roused  so  as  to 
correspond  with  theirs,  unless  we  e  guarded ;  if  they  re- 
joice, we  rejoice — if  they  weep,  we  eep — if  they  are  alarm- 
ed, we  are  alarmed.  This  princ  a  is  very  useful  when 
property  directed,  but  it  may  be  ide  subservient  to  error 
as  well  as  to  truth  ;  when  the  op  ition  of  it  is  ascribed  to 
divine  inspiration,  as  it  is  by  the  riathen,  Shaking  Quakers, 
and  Methodists,  the  consequent      are  deplorable. 

Considering  the  great  efforts  made  at  camp  meetings,  to 
work  on  the  feelings  of  persons,  the  long  continued  noise, 
confusion,  singing,  shouting,  groaning,  exhorting,  and  pray  * 


86  THE    SFIKI'l 

323.  The  lovely  sex  will  bow  their  necks; 
Against  their  previous  choice  ; 
At  least  a  score  will  fall  before 
"The  power"  of  such  a  noise. 


ing,  intermingled  with  awful  expressions,  and  boisterous 
raptures  of  joy,  it  is  wonderful  that  no  more  are  overcome 
on  such  occasions  ;  it  might  be  expected,  as  the  number  is 
so  great,  that  some  hundreds  would  be  overpowered  and 
fall  down. 

It  is  admitted  that  the  great  subject  of  religion  may  so 
deeply  impress  the  mind,  as  to  overcome  the  bodily  facul- 
ties. A  person  may  have  such  a  deep  sense  of  his  guilt 
and  danger,  such  a  discovery  of  the  holiness  and  justice  of 
God,  as  to  lose,  for  a  time,  his  bodily  strength.  God  can 
doubtless  give  us  such  a  view  of  himself  as  to  overwhelm 
and  wither  our  souls ;  but  great  bodily  and  mental  agita- 
tions are  no  evidence  of  piety.  They  may  be  produced  by 
fiction,  by  natural  affections,  and  sympathy.  Even  when 
produced  by  gospel  truth,  they  do  not*prove  that  the  heart 
ever  was  or  ever  will  be  sanctified.  When  they  occur 
among  Calvinists  they  are  not  regarded  as  extraordinary ; 
an  attempt  is  made  to  conceal  them,  rather  than  to  make 
a  display  of  them.  But  it  does  not  appear  that  such  agi- 
tations, of  which  Methodists  make  so  much  parade  at 
camp  meetings,  are  produced  by  gospel  truth,  but  by  ex- 
ternal excitements.  Hence  the  subjects  of  them,  who  are 
encouraged  to  view  them  as  the  immediate  effect  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  and  as  indication  of  divine  approbation,  sel- 
dom persevere.  When  the  exciting  causes  are  removed, 
they  gradually  lose  their  fervour  and  delusive  joy,  return 
again  to  stupidity,  and  are  more  hardened  than  ever. 
Where  is  there  an  instance,  (the  Methodists  themselves 
being  judges.)  where  is  there  an  instance  of  a  sober,  hum- 
ble, active  Christian,  who  received  his  first  impressions  at 
a  camp  meeting  as  long  as  a  year  ago  ?  If  a  few  solitary  in- 
stances of  this  kind  should  be  found,  they  would  not  prove 
the  expediency  of  such  meetings,  nor  sanction  the  Metho- 
dists scheme.     God  can  bless  his  own  word,  even  when  it 


OF   METHODISM. 


81 


324.  Overwhelmed  with  prayer,  devoid  of  care. 

Borne  down  with  mental  pain, 
They  will  not  die,  but  there  they'll  lie, 
As  if  in  battle  slain. 

325.  Amidst  the  night,  while  starry  light 

Is  glimmering  through  the  grove, 
Loud  prayers  are  sent  from  every  tent, 
To  move  the  powers  above. 

326.  Then  will  the  slain  arise  again, 

With  sweet  seraphic  thrills, 
The  meltinji  sound  will  roll  around, 
And  echo  from  the  hills — 

327.  O  bless  the  Lord  !  I  am  restored  ! 

He  has  redeemed  my  soul  ! 
Glory  !  glory  !   I  am  happy  ! 
Jesus  has  made  me  whole  ! 

328.  Responsive  cries  will  pierce  the  skies 

In  shouts  of  exultation  ; 
Then  we  shall  raise  our  songs  of  praise. 
In  raptures  of  salvation. 

320.  We  know  that  this  is  heavenly  bliss, 
Superlative  delight ; 


is  read  or  quoted  by  heretics.  If  camp  meetings  have  been 
made  the  occasion  of  saving  some,  there  is  reason  to  be- 
lieve they  are  the  occasion  of  hardening  thousands,  and 
preventing  the  salvation  of  many  who  would  have  other- 
wise been  saved.  Like  ardent  spirits,  they  destroy  hun- 
dreds where  they  save  one.  Respecting  both  of  these 
violently  existing  causes,  an  entire  abstinence  is  the  only 
safe  coursp. 


68  THE    SPIRIT 

"  The  power"  controls  our  inmost  souls. 
And  proves  our  scheme  is  right. 

330.  It  also  proves,  we  "  love  the  groves," 

Not  like  a  heathen  clan  ; 
Let  Satan  then,  and  carnal  men, 
Twit  us  no  more  of  Dan. 

331.  As  fickle  Jews  would  always  choose 

Some  idle  fascination, 
Rather  than  stay,  and  God  obey, 
Where  they'd  no  animation  ; 

332.  So  we  are  told,  like  those  of  old 

We  'flame  ourselves  with  idols  ;* 


Verse  330. — Twit  us  no  more  of  Dan.  Under  the  pre- 
text that  it  was  too  much  for  the  Israelites  to  go  up  to  Je- 
rusalem to  worship,  Jeroboam  set  up  a  golden  calf  in  each 
extremity  of  the  land.  But  so  alluring  and  animating  was 
the  worship  of  these  idols,  that  the  people  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  land  went  far  heyond  the  temple  at  Jerusa- 
lem, "  to  worship  before  the  one,  even  unto  Dan."  But  in 
this  enrapturing  service  they  professed  to  worship  the  true 
God,  and  were  confident  that  they  were  right,  and  had 
his  approbation.  There  was  the  same  charm  attending 
their  meetings,  that  now  attend  camp  meetings,  and  pro- 
bably as  much  rejoicing  and  sincerity,  and  as  many  to  de- 
fend them,  and  to  cry  out  persecution,  whenever  any  per- 
son attempted  to  prove  that  they  were  acting  unreason- 
ably. 

Verse  331. — This  shows  very  plainly  why  the  ancient 
Jews  were  so  prone  to  idolatry  ;  the  sober  and  calm  service 
of  the  temple  did  not  elevate  their  feelings  ;  the  truths  there 
dispensed  they  hated.  But  the  idolatrous  services  attend- 
ed usually  in  the  groves,  produced  a  pleasing  and  bewilder- 
ing fervour  in  their  minds,  and  filled  them  with  frantic 
joy. 

*  Isaiah  lvii.  5. 


OF    METHODISM.  $& 

But  all  may  see  this  cannot  be, 
For  we  retain  our  bibles. 

333.  We  do  not  hold  to  calves  of  gold, 
Nor  worship  Juggernaut  ; 
But  still  proclaim  the  sacred  name, 
As  we  were  early  taught. 


Verse  333. — It  does  not  follow  that  the  Methodists  are 
free  from  idolatry,  because  they  make  use  of  the  kk  sacred 
names,1"  by  which  the  true  God  is  known,  nor  because  they 
profess  to  believe  the  bible,  and  often  quote  passages  from 
it.  They  certainly  deny  some  of  the  essential  attributes 
of  God,  and  are  often  heard  to  say  that  the  Calvinists' 
God  is  their  devil !  That  they  oppose  the  God  of  the  bible 
is  obvious  from  their  writings  and  preaching  ;  and  it  seems 
to  follow  of  course,  that  the  God  whom  they  profess  to 
love  is  a  creature  of  the  imagination.  Though  they  give 
this  imaginary  God  the  names  which  the  bible  gives  Jeho- 
vah, it  still  remains  an  imaginary  God,  and  the  worship 
which  they  render  to  it,  is  virtually  idolatry.  In  the  forty- 
fifth  chapter  of  Isaiah,  Jehovah  gives  his  true  character, 
as  distinguished  from  every  idol — as  the  universal  sove- 
reign, working  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will. 
He  designed,  particularly,  to  show  Cyrus  and  the  Persians 
that  their  ideas  of  God  were  false.  They  considered  God 
as  very  great  and  good,  but  supposed  that  evil  events  were 
in  no  sense  foreordained  by  him,  nor  included  in  his  plan. 
To  convince  them  and  the  world,  that  the  true  God  is 
distinguished  from  every  false  God,  from  every  creature 
of  the  imagination,  in  that  he  acts  as  the  universal  sove- 
reign, working  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will, 
he  said  M  I  am  the  Lord,  and  there  is  none  beside  me — I 
form  the  light  and  create  darkness — I  make  peace  and 
create  evil — I,  the  Lord,  do  all  these  things.  Wo  unto 
him  that  striveth  with  his  Maker."  This  is  the  God  whom 
Calvinists  profess  to  believe  and  love,  and  for  doing  which 
'hev  are  ko  bitterly  opposed  by  the  Methodists. 


90  THE    SPIRIT 

334.  True,  we  despise  old  Calvin's  lies, 

And  Edwards'  subtilities  ; 
It  is  not  fit  we  should  admit 
Their  God  with  his  decrees. 

335.  Nevertheless  we've  great  success, 

Facts  cannot  be  denied  ; 
Therefore,  we  say,  'tis  clear  as  day, 
Our  God  is  on  our  side. 

336.  Can  others  boast  of  such  a  host, 

Of  such  a  swelling  stream  ? 
We  have  been  blest,  and  here  we  rest 
The  goodness  of  our  scheme. 


Verse  336. — Success  is  no  evidence  of  God's  approbation, 
unless  the  cause  and  means  are  agreeable  to  his  preceptive 
will.  Jeroboam  was  successful  in  establishing  his  reli- 
gion, which  was  followed  by  the  majority  of  the  Israelites 
for  nearly  three  hundred  years.  Mahomet  and  the  Man 
of  sin  were  each  successful  in  establishing  a  religion  in 
the  seventh  century,  which  influences  millions  to  the  present 
day.  "  But  there  were  false  prophets  among  the  people, 
even  as  there  shall  be  false  teachers  among  you.  And 
many  shall  follow  their  pernicious  ways,  by  reason  of 
whom  the  way  of  truth  shall  be  evil  spoken  of.v — 2  Peter 
ii.  1.  Satan  himself  has  been  the  most  successful  prosely- 
ter  in  the  universe.  Those  who  are  influenced  by  him, 
while  he  is  transformed  into  an  angel  of  light,  can  say, 
*  My  name  is  legion,  for  we  are  many." — Mark  v.  9. 


OF   METHODISE.  91 


CONCLUSION. 


The  Methodists'  scheme,  though  it  contains  many  gene- 
ral truths,  is  radically  opposite  to  that  scheme  of  doctrines 
which  the  great  body  of  active,  humble  Christians,  in  all 
ages,  have  adopted.  It  is  virtually,  as  Mr.  Whitfield  told 
Mr  Wesley,  "  a  different  gospel."  The  Methodists  some- 
times make  good  prayers,  and  good  exhortations,  and  in- 
culcate good  morals;  and  have  been  the  occasion  of  alarm- 
ing and  reforming  some,  who  seemed  incapable  of  receiv- 
ing impressions  from  the  regular  means  of  grace.  Though 
they,  like  the  papists,  do  some  good,  yet  their  operations 
through  enlightened  regions,  produce  a  vast  preponderance 
of  evil ;  for  they  divert  the  attention  of  the  rising  genera- 
tion from  that  regular  and  salutary  course  of  instruction 
which  is  prepared  for  them  ;  they  prevent  conviction  by 
misrepresenting  and  ridiculing  those  doctrines  of  grace, 
which  are  peculiarly  calculated  to  fasten  conviction  on  the 
hearts  of  sinners.  They  occasion  many  to  entertain  false 
hopes,  by  giving  a  wrong  view  of  God's  character,  and  the 
nature  of  holiness  ;  they  corrupt,  disgrace,  and  stop  revi- 
vals of  religion,  by  intrigue  and  disorderly  management; 
they  have  occasioned  multitudes  to  despise  and  neglect  all 
religious  meetings. 

Methodism,  is  essentially  like  several  ancient  systems  of 
errors,  and  especially  that  which  disturbed  and  corrupted 
the  Corinthian  and  Galatian  churches,  and  which  the 
apostle  Paul  so  strenuously  opposed.  He  considered  er- 
rors, accompanied  with  religious  zeal,  as  peculiarly  danger- 
ous. Satan  never  does  more  mischief,  than  when  his 
ministers  are  transformed  as  ministers  of  righteousness. 
It  is  not  supposed  that  the  Methodists  designedly  aid  the 
cause  of  Satan,  nor  that  they  know  what  manner  of  spirit 
they  are  of.  Many  of  them  are,  doubtless,  very  sincere  as 
well  as  confident  that  they  are  doing  God  service.  That 
absurd  and  sophistical  manner  in  which  they  speak 
about  the  doctrines  of  grace,  arises,  it  is  hoped,  not  so  much 
from  direct  enmity  against  the  true  God,  as  it  does  from  a 
bewildered  state  of  their  minds.  We  ought  to  make  much 
allowance  for  their  prejudices,  ignorance,  and  erroneous  in- 
struction, arid  be  as  ready  to  pity  as  to  censure  them.  But 


92  THE    SPIRIT 

we  must  still  remember  that  their  good,  as  well  as  our  du- 
ty, requires  that  we  should  oppose  their  erro-,  however 
desirous  we  may  be  to  secure  their  friendship.  Ca  vinists 
have  generally  let  them  alone,  or  complied  with  their  wish- 
es, hoping  that  they  might  do  some  good  ;  b»  i  'i  pas- 
siveness  is  inconsistent  with  duty,  and  hurtful  j  the  cause 
for  which  we  are  bound  to  contend.  It  ha?  had  a  bad  ef- 
fect on  the  Methodists  themselves ;  it  has  rendered  them 
more  bold,  clamorous,  and  confident  of  bearing  down  all 
before  them.  We  might,  and  in  many  cases  would,  give 
up  our  private  rights  for  the  sake  of  pleasing  them,  and 
avoiding  a  quarrel  with  them.  But  we  must  not  make 
any  compromise  respecting  the  cause  of  Christ,  which  we 
are  under  oath  to  defend.  If  truth  and  duty  offend  them, 
we  are  not  answerable  for  the  consequence.  We  have  long 
been  acquainted  with  them,  and  witnessed  their  operations 
through  numerous  and  extensive  regions ;  we  have  been 
entertained  at  their  houses,  familiar  with  their  books,  and 
many  of  their  preachers.  We  have  often  engaged  with 
them  in  friendly  conversation  on  doctrinal  and  experiment- 
al religion ;  we  have  generally  been  treated  kindly  by 
them,  and  are  not  aware  that  we  have  any  personal  enemy 
in  their  connexion.  We  certainly  are  disposed  to  treat 
them  respectfully,  hospitably,  and  kindiy,  as  neighbours 
and  citizens,  and  should  be  pleased  if  they  would  more 
frequently  visit  us.  Some  of  them  we  esteem  as  personal 
friends — we  are  sorry  to  offend  any  of  them  ;  but  they 
have  assumed  such  an  attitude  relative  to  the  high  inte- 
rests of  religion,  that  benevolence  to  them,  and  faithfulness 
to  God,  constrain  us  to  counteract  and  expose  them. 

Unadulterated  gospel  truth  subserves  the  glorious 
design  God  had,  in  undertaking  the  work  of  creation  and 
redemption.  Jt  renders  those  who  embrace  it  like  him  in 
disinterested  benevolence ;  it  influences  them  to  aim  su- 
premely at  his  glory,  and  to  secure  their  own  happiness  in 
seeking  the  highest  good  of  the  intelligent  universe  ;  but 
sentiments  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  lead 
ultimately  to  misery.  Those  circumstantial  errors,  which 
divide  consistent  Episcopalians,  Baptists,  Presbyterians, 
and  Congregationalists,  are  unhappy,  but  may  not  be  fatal 


OF    METHODISM.  &3 

They  are  diseases  of  the  limbs  merely.  But  Methodism 
strikrs  a  the  vitals;  its  brilliancy  is  the  hectic  flush.  It 
tends  to  exclude  the  saving  essence  of  the  gospel  from  the 
world  K  ^  t0  substitute,  under  the  same  name,  an  ineffi- 
cacious, ^Tbilara  ting  nostrum,  so  as  to  prevent  the  salva- 
tion of  thousands,  who  might  otherwise  be  saved.  But  the 
foundation  of  God  standeth  sure.  He  will,  therefore, 
check  and  ultimately  abolish  Methodism.  He  will  do  it 
by  means,  and  he  virtually  calls  us  to  come  to  his  help  for 
this  purpose,  as  much  as  he  does  to  arrest  a  pestilence  or 
conflagration. 

But  bitterness  and  rashness  will  aid  the  cause  of  error, 
rather  than  that  of  truth.  "  The  wrath  of  man  worketh 
not  the  righteousness  of  God."  In  opposing  this  wide- 
spread heresy,  we  must  imitate  him  who  said,  "  as  many 
as  I  love  I  rebuke."  We  must  show  the  Methodists,  that 
while  we  abhor  their  errors,  we  desire  their  temporal  and 
spiritual  good  ;  that  it  is  not  our  own  cause,  but  that  of  the 
great  Redeemer,  which  we  wish  to  defend,  and  that  we  are 
solicitous  to  prevent  them  from  doing  themselves  harm,  as 
well  as  to  prevent  them  from  injuring  others.  In  this  holy 
contest  we  should  be  calm,  and  yet  vigilant  and  decisive ; 
we  should  be  affectionate  and  benevolent,  and  yet  thorough 
and  persevering,  so  as  to  "  give  place  by  subjection  not  for 
an  hour,"  to  sentiments  or  measures  which  we  firmly  be- 
lieve are  subversive  of  all  vital  godliness. 

This  limited  exposure  of  Methodism  appears  to  be  such 
as  the  scriptures  justify,  and  the  occasion  requires.  If 
some  parts  of  it  seem  ludicrous  and  trifling,  it  is  to  be  as- 
cribed to  the  nature  of  the  subject,  rather  than  to  the  dis- 
position with  which  it  was  written.  Thousands  can  tes- 
tify that  it  is  far  from  being  an  exaggerated  description  of 
Methodism  ;  not  a  circumstance  is  brought  to  view  with- 
out ample  testimony  ;  multitudes  of  public  incidents,  which 
would  tend  to  render  the  picture  still  more  repulsive,  are 
omitted.  Though  it  is  presumed  that  well  informed  Me- 
thodists will  not  disavow  the  details  of  this  exposure,  yet 
if  they  are  still  determined  to  maintain  their  corrupt  system, 
they  will  contrive  some  way  to  defend  it  and  justify  their 
measures.  Every  kind  of  heresy  is  capable  of  a  very  plau- 
8 


94  THE    SPIRIT,    &C. 

sible  vindication ;  but  it  is  hoped  that  this  production  may 
have  a  salutary  effect  on  the  rising  generation,  especially 
such  as  are  wavering,  and  that  it  will  lead  all  who  are 
not  already  ingulfed,  to  say,  "  O  my  soul,  come  not  thou 
into  their  secret ;  unto  their  assembly  mine  honour  be  not 
thou  united." 

But  there  is  no  virtue  in  merely  disclaiming  Methodism. 
Multitudes  oppose  it,  not  because  it  is  erroneous,  but  be- 
cause it  resembles  that  vital  godliness  which  they  hate. 
Such  as  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness,  actually  aid 
that  heresy  more  than  they  could  if  they  openly  adopted 
it ;  for  the  Methodists  seize  the  opportunity  to  induce  the 
ignorant  to  believe  that  Calvinism  is  unholy  in  its  tendency. 
They  eat  up  the  sins  of  God's  people  ;  their  scheme  rose  at 
first,  and  continues  to  grow,  from  a  morbid  secretion  in  the 
church.  Their  soil  is  fattened  by  the  inconsistency,  sloth, 
and  lukewarmness  of  such  orthodox  professors  as  have 
only  a  name  to  live.  "  While  men  slept,  the  enemy  sowed 
tares/' 

The  most  effectual  way  to  counteract  Methodism,  is  to 
cultivate  the  spirit  of  benevolence  in  our  own  hearts,  seek 
to  rouse  the  church  to  benevolent  exertions,  and  sow  wheat 
more  diligently  and  extensively  than  the  Methodists  can 
sow  their  tares. 


THE     i    \i> 


■ 


